Grendel/Bio & Battles

The swamp creature known as Grendel was said to have been a direct descendant of Cain, the Biblical first murderer. Living in the marshes of Denmark, Grendel grew annoyed at the loud singing and celebration coming from the great hall of Heorot. One night, Grendel could take it no more, ventured into Heorot, and slew 30 men before leaving. Every night after this, Grendel would return, killing more and more, until King Hrothgar sent word of his plight to his neighbouring kingdoms.

One of the men to answer this call was the hero Beowulf. When he arrived in Denmark, Beowulf told Hrothgar to arrange another feast in Heorot to draw the monster in. That night, when everyone was asleep, Grendel arrived once more to kill the revellers. This time, however, Beowulf engaged Grendel. After a bloody battle, Beowulf succeeded in ripping one of Grendel's arms off. Grendel stumbled back into the swamps to die, and Beowulf hung the arm in Heorot as a trophy.

Battle vs. Wendigo (Folklore) (by CuchulainSetanta)
In Denmark, Grendel pulls himself out of the swamp and stalks towards the great hall of Heorot. However, as he approaches, he is puzzled by the lack of noise coming from inside the hall. Grendel throws open the doors, and is surprised to see another massive shape hunched over a dead warrior, devouring him. Sensing Grendel's presence, the figure turns, revealing itself as the fearsome Wendigo. Seeing Grendel as a threat to its prey, the Wendigo lets out a bloodcurdling roar and charges the other man-beast.

Grendel prepares himself for the Wendigo's charge, and, as it approaches, slams his arm into the Wendigo's head, knocking it down. Quickly regaining its senses, the Wendigo grabs onto Grendel's leg and bites it, causing Grendel to roar in pain. Grendel kicks the Wendigo several times in the face, finally making it let go.

The Wendigo rises to its feet and charges Grendel again, grappling with him. The two monsters wrestle, both evenly matched in terms of strength. However, glancing at his surroundings, Grendel forms an idea. Pushing the Wendigo away from him, Grendel picks up a large table, slamming it into the Wendigo. The monster is knocked down again, and Grendel slams the table several more times onto the Wendigo's head, splattering the floor with blood. With his enemy finally killed, Grendel drags the Wendigo's corpse back to his lair to feast.

Winner: Grendel

Expert's Opinion
Although he may have lost to Beowulf in the original saga, Grendel had plenty of advantages over his foe. The foremost of these was his superior intellect, allowing him to formulate strategies over the more savage Wendigo.

To see the original battle, weapons and votes, click here.