The following is a list of creatures from the show, called Wesen. Wesen is German for ‘creature’ or ‘essence.’ Although the names of many of the Wesen listed below are compounds of German words, they are not truly German names in the sense that these creatures do not exist by these names in the Grimms’ tales, nor are they referred to as such in spoken or written German. Further, the words are not always pronounced using German diction and plural forms. For example, in the series, ‘Wesen’ is pronounced ves-ən with the first vowel short and the ess voiceless, while the German word is pronounced something like *vay-zən.

According to Monroe, while most normal people cannot see Wesen, there are times when they can “allow” themselves to be seen. This is the source of many legends and stories which were passed down as fairy tales by The Brothers Grimm. So far in the series, Wesen have been seen (by non-Grimms) when Monroe revealed his creature appearance to Hank Griffin, when certain Wildermann were victims of a failed experimental drug, and when a Coyotl unthinkingly revealed her appearance due to her fear of Nick Burkhart. In each case, these events were witnessed by Detective Griffin, leading him to question his sanity until Nick revealed the truth. “Normal” humans also may or may not have been present at the Lowen Games, where Wesen were clearly seen.

While most Wesen have been seen interacting with each other relatively casually- barring some tensions between particular species, such as a long-standing species-wide feud between Blutbaden and Bauerschweine- it is unclear whether long-term relationships between Wesen of different species are possible. So far, all long-term Wesen relationships shown have featured the Wesen being involved with their own species, but Monroe and Rosalee have shown an interest in each other despite being a Blutbad and a Fuchsbau respectively, with no signs that there is anything against such an interest other than their typical discomfort at the thought of risking their pre-existing friendship by trying for a closer relationship. One episode featured a Seelengut who was pregnant with the child of a Blutbad as the result of an affair with no indication that the mother was concerned about her child’s health- although what the child would be like when born was never clarified-, and another featured a mother Genio Innocuo whose attempt to ‘improve’ her child in utero resulted in him also possessing the strength of a Lowen, but this was a ‘Jekyll-and-Hyde’ transformation where his true self had no memory of his Lowen side’s actions (It is important to note that this was a scientifically-created hybrid, leaving it unknown what would happen if a Genio Innocuo and a Lowen bred the natural way).

It is unclear whether Wesen can actually sense each other’s presence or if visual identification is required to confirm what the other Wesen are. On some occasions, Wesen meeting Nick for the first time have identified him as a Grimm when they have assumed their ‘natural’ apparance while he remains human, suggesting that Wesen assume their true forms in each other’s presence as a courtesy of introduction.

Recurring Creatures

Grimm

While not generally thought of as a Wesen species, Grimm share a bloodline trait separating them from normal humans: they are capable of seeing the true form of a Wesen, typically when the Wesen is startled, afraid or otherwise emotional. It is implied in the pilot episode that a member of the next generation receives the gift as the last approaches their deathbed or is murdered, but Nick’s mother later debunks this, noting that the ability skips entire generations and family branches- the only guarantee is that it seems to manifest earlier in women than men. It is a long-standing tradition that Grimms hunt Wesen who attack the general population- traditionally killing them by decapitation- and keep journals recording their encounters with Wesen for future Grimms to learn from. Although the protagonist Nick Burkhardt has been informed that Grimm only hunt “the bad ones” of the supernatural world, most of the creatures he encounters are instinctively afraid of or hostile to him, due to the fact that Grimm are rarely seen by average Wesen. Over the years, the Grimm have acquired a reputation as semi-mythical boogeymen. This reputation extends to the highest levels of Wesen society, with even the royal families doubting the existence of a good-natured Grimm. Other than their ability to see Wesen as they truly are, Grimm also seem to possess a natural ability for profiling people, and are highly skilled at physical combat. They are also resilient to such magic as the Coins of Zakynthos, which makes ordinary humans and Wesen become overconfident, power-hungry, and obsessive. They have been guardians of the Coins for many generations. It has been suggested that if a Wesen ingests the blood of a Grimm, it will strip them of their powers and abilities, essentially turning the Wesen into an ordinary human, though this has only been confirmed with a Hexenbiest. It should be noted that most Wesen give an involuntary shudder when they notice that a Grimm is observing them. This may simply be because they feel exposed at being seen, but wesen may in fact have the ability to sense a Grimm seeing them. There is also an unexplained connection to the Verrat that implies that Grimm were key in the Verrats rise to power; whether they are servants or rulers of the Verrat is unknown.

Reapers

The Reapers of the Grimm, a.k.a. Grimm Reapers, are a secret society devoted to the elimination of the Grimm. They are usually dressed in black trench coats, or wearing some form of the color black, and carry a large scythe with an inscription as their weapon of choice; they typically take ‘trophies’ by decapitating their victims (Which resulted in Nick’s mother being able to fake her death as a Reaper had decapitated another woman in her car and dental records were therefore impossible). In the pilot episode, the Reaper Hulda carried a scythe that read Erntemaschinen der Grimms, which translates to “Reaping machines for the Grimms.” In “Lonelyhearts“, the unnamed Reaper’s scythe reads Vernichter der Grimms, “Destroyer of the Grimms.” This particular Reaper was admonished and maimed by Captain Renard, who seems to hold some sort of authority over them. In “Of Mouse and Man”, Monroe is beaten by a group of Reapers as a warning that his alliance with Nick is upsetting the status quo. Nick later kills two Reapers single-handed and sends their heads back to Germany, an action which sends ripples through the Wesen and Grimm communities. At least two Reapers seen are Hässlichen, but it is unknown if all members are; a Nuckelavee was once sent after Nick, but it is unclear if the Nuckelavee was a Reaper or just another agent for the group that was responsible for the Reapers, particularly since he lacked a scythe and was focused on tracking Nick rather than trying to kill him.

Blutbad

(bloot-bahd) Blutbaden are wolf-like Wesen with a keen sense of smell and great strength. The Blutbaden are very violent when in packs and are provoked by the color red. Their sense of smell can be weakened by the herb wolfsbane and they are vulnerable to attacks to the lower back. Precise details of their interaction with humans are unknown, but it would appear that most can comfortably interact with human society; Monroe was apparently ignorant of his heritage until his Wesen abilities first ‘activated’, and another Blutbad, Holly Clark, was adopted into a human family with no complications (However, she was abducted at the age of seven and taken into the woods, where she stayed after attacking her abductor, having been frightened when her true heritage emerged), with even the more vicious Blutbad managing to to operate in human society even if they secretly attack others. Variants include the Wider Blutbad (including Monroe), a reformed Blutbad who abstains from the killing of humans through a regimen of diet, drugs, and exercise; these retain their strength, but must avoid situations where they might be tempted to more feral courses of action, such as Monroe declining to help Nick investigate cases on the full moon or expressing uncertainty how he would react when required to fight another Blutbad. They are the mythological basis for the Big Bad Wolf. Blutbad literally means bloodbath in German and wider is an older German word for against. First seen in “Pilot“.

Fuchsbau

(fooks-bow) Fuchsbauen are fox creatures who are extremely sly and cunning. Fuchsbau seem to not mind dealing with shady transactions, such as selling human organs and blood (supplied by Geiers) to other Wesen. Monroe warns Nick to “count your fingers after shaking hands with a Fuchsbau,” suggesting they are prone to theft and cheating, although Rosalee is a relatively human Fuchsbau with no sign of a dishonest nature apart from questionable past mistakes. Fuchsbau means ‘fox burrow’ in German. First seen in “Organ Grinder“.

Hexenbiest

(heks-ən-beest) Hexenbiester are witch-like Wesen with silver hair and ugly, rotten faces. They are infamous for brewing primitive concoctions and brews called “Zaubertranks” (German for “magic potion”) that have various compulsive, highly emotional and/or ultimately deadly effects on humans. Hexenbiests can be identified by a birthmark on the underside of their tongue. Hexenbiests have a reputation for working for royalty, and are extremely loyal. All Hexenbiests are strikingly beautiful in human form, making them masters of seduction and manipulation. Hexenbiests are the only natural enemies of Mellifers, but their greatest weakness is the ingestion of the blood of a Grimm, which will “kill” their Wesen form and render them completely human. Hexenbiest is the combination of the German words for witch and beast. A Hexenbiest was first seen in the “Pilot“, and their nature was revealed in “Beeware“.

Secondary Creatures

These creatures star in one or two episodes. Pronunciations are those used in the series. They are not always a close approximation of the German or French.

Balam

(bah-lahm) A jaguar-like Wesen that appears in “La Llorona” as Detective Valentina Espinosa played by Mexican actress Kate del Castillo. Judging from its namesake, this Wesen species is native to South America and the southwestern US. They have been known to develop obsessive behavior, specifically when it comes to any harm done to members of the Balam’s family. They are extremely daring creatures that tend to act first and think later. It should be noted that they are typically quick and agile although they don’t continuously present this characteristic. B’alam is Mayan for “jaguar”. First seen in “La Llorona“.

Bauerschwein

(bow-ər-shwyn) Pig- or boar-like Wesen. They have an intense rivalry with the Blutbaden that dates back centuries. According to Monroe, the rivalry is so intense that the Blutbaden are even blamed for Bauerschwein suicides. Bauerschweine like to take mud-baths in order to think, calm their minds, and soothe their skins. The Bauerschweine are not usually antagonistic towards others and thus rarely find themselves at odds with the Grimms. They are the mythological basis for The Three Little Pigs. Bauerschwein is the combination of the German words for farmer and pig. First seen in “The Three Bad Wolves“.

Coyotl

(ky-yoh-təl) Coyote-type creatures. They exist in packs; if one is spotted, there are usually more lurking nearby. Similar to gangs or the Mafia, when a Coyotl enters a pack, leaving is “a serious no-no,” according to Monroe. There is also a mating ritual for female Coyotl: soon after a girl’s 17th birthday, she feasts with the rest of the pack, is bathed, and then tied to a “fertility matrix” until the full moon rises; this sequence begins her official transformation into a woman and the ability to bear Coyotl children; what happens next is best left to the imagination. “Coyotl” is the Aztec word from which the English “coyote”, is derived. Although their name is Aztec and the iconography of their fertility matrix seems Great Plains Native American inspired, the Coyotl we have seen appear like degenerate Scots-Irish in their human form. First seen in “Bad Moon Rising“.

Dämonfeuer

(day-mən-fyur-ər) Dämonfeuer are dragon-like creatures and one of the rarer Wesen. Dämonfeuer have the ability to vaporize their own fat, which they can cough up as a cloud of highly flammable particles. Igniting the produced vapor gives them the appearance of breathing fire, which was the inspiration for the myths about dragons. Dämonfeuer is a combination of the German words for demon and fire. First seen in “Plumed Serpent“.

Drang-Zorn

(drang-zorn) Drang-Zorn are badger-like Wesen that are prone to violent outbursts, and are very protective of their offspring. When they feel threatened, they hide in underground dens. Their children sometimes experience their first Woge (Wesen transformation) earlier than the usual age of 13, and when that happens, these Drang-Zorn children become very unstable and highly violent to anyone who might upset them or get in their way, even their parents, which is why they need to be isolated from everyone else until they settle down. Drang-Zorn is a combination of the German words Drang (“urge, stress”) and Zorn (“wrath”). First seen in “The Bottle Imp“.

Eisbiber

(ys-bee-bər) Eisbiber are beaver Wesen who appear to be meek and very cowardly, but not as much as Mousehertz. They seem to have a knack for repair, baking, and crafts. Eisbiber are a democratic society who convene in societies called “lodges,” and put issues in their community to a vote. When confronted by Nick, the Eisbiber act very afraid even when he says he won’t hurt them. Eisbiber is a combination of the German words for ice and beaver. First seen in “Danse Macabre“.

Geier

(gy-ər) Geier are highly sadistic vulture-like creatures that are known for their ability to move quickly through the trees. Geiers are most infamous for harvesting human organs and blood, preferably while the victim is still alive, to make highly effective medicinal remedies for the Wesen community. The Grimms consider Geiers to be one of if not the most vile Wesen species they have ever documented. Geier means ‘vulture’ in German. First seen in “Organ Grinder“.

Genio Innocuo

(jee-nee-oh i-nok-ew-oh) Genio Innocuo (Italian for “harmless genius”) are very rare tortoise-like Wesen that originate from the Galápagos Islands. They are a peaceful, non-violent species, that often possesses genius level intellect. They lived in relative seclusion until around the year 1833, when they were discovered by a Grimm who travelled with Charles Darwin who visited the islands by boat. The Grimms of that time were still very prejudiced against all Wesen, and the Genio Innocuo had never even heard of Grimms or what they do, which is why it was easy for the latter to hunt down and cull most of this particular Wesen population. This explains their rarity, and also why some of them have tried to use their intelligence to improve their species genetically, in order to become more able of defending themselves against their perceived foes; one Genio Innocuo mother altered her child’s genetics in utero in an attempt to give him the strength of a Lowen, but this resulted in a split personality disorder where his Lowen side attacked anyone who even might be a threat. First seen in “The Other Side“.

Hässlich

(hes-lish) Hässlich are troll-like Wesen who are particularly fond of stewarding bridges, demanding toll payments from the Eisbiber who build them. Several of them work in construction for that very purpose. This is done as a means of extortion as well as for the sake of upholding ancient traditions. When the Eisbiber do not comply with demands, the result is fatal. Hässlich in German means ugly, so they are called “the ugly ones.” First seen in “Leave It to Beavers“.

Hundjäger

(hoont-yay-gər) Hundjäger are vicious dog-like Wesen with heightened tracker talents and relentless sense for pursuing their prey, which is why they become feared hit men, enforcers or bounty hunters. They are employed in the service of the Verrat, a power hungry organisation originating in Europe that seeks to infiltrate and take over any corruptible power structure in the world, whilst enforcing their strict laws and values on all Wesen. Apparently, Hundjäger were the enforcers responsible for mass executions of renegade Wesen during the Second World War, a notable example being their infiltration of the Spanish army and monarchy during Franco’s regime. All Wesen fear them and the Verrat, which is why some have banded together in a resistance movement called the Laufer. When the Verrat track down Wesen associated with the Laufer, Hundjäger are the ones dispatched to eliminate them. Hundjäger is a combination of “dog” and hunter. First seen in “Cat and Mouse“.

Jägerbär

(yay-gər-bair) Jägerbären are bear-like Wesen who use a Germanic weapon with a claw-like scoop that disembowels their victims. Some more traditional Jägerbärs practice the ritual of Roh-Hatz, which is a coming of age rite. According to Nick’s murdered aunt Marie Kessler’s Grimm journal, most of the Jägerbärs tend to be lawyers, mortgage lenders, and politicians, and can live peacefully among humans as long as they avoid alcohol. They are the mythological basis for The Story of the Three Bears. Jägerbär is a combination of the German words for hunter and bear; roh is the German word for raw and Hatz is an older German word for hunt. First seen in “Bears Will Be Bears“.

Klaustreich

(klow-shtrykh) Klaustreich are cat-like creatures, with more resemblance to alley cats than beasts of prey. They are noted to be popular with women, but it never ends well as they are very possessive and prone to violence; Monroe notes that a Klaustreich seduced his high school girlfriend, impregnated her and then left, returning only to attack her when she tried to report him to the police. Klaustreich is intended to mean “scrounging prankster,” and is a combination of the German words klauen (meaning stealing) or the word Klaue (meaning claw) and Streich (meaning stroke or prank). First seen in “The Thing With Feathers“.

Königschlange

(koon-ig-shlahng-gə) Königschlange are king-cobra like creatures. They are an extremely unpleasant and dangerous Wesen species, Monroe mentioned he does not want anything to do with them. They have long serpent tongues and distinct hoods. They have the ability to use their tongues to check body temperature, pulse and other vital signs. Because of their unique skill, they are generally sought after by those wishing to unmistakably confirm an individual’s death. In short, they typically find employment through exceptionally shady avenues. They also have sharp fangs that release a deadly toxin into whatever they puncture. They are highly suspicious creatures and are very rarely deceived. The second distinct trait of Königschlange is that they are extremely fast and have incredible reflexes that far exceed that of a Grimm. Königschlange is spelled and pronounced almost (but not quite) the same as Königsschlange (“king’s snake”), which is a German word that refers to the boa constrictor. First seen in the episode “Over My Dead Body“.

La Llorona

(lah-yor-oh-nə) La Llorona is a supernatural apparition of a crying woman who haunts the area where two tributaries flow into a main stem river, forming a Y shape. La Llorona will kidnap and attempt to drown two boys and a girl between the ages of seven and 10 every Halloween (Day of the Dead in Latin countries), hoping the children can take the place of her own children, who she lost to the river many centuries ago. Though she has been encountered by Grimms several times, none of them–including Nick–have been able to figure out precisely what she is, except for the fact that she is not technically Wesen. La Llorona means “the weeping woman” in Spanish. First seen in “La Llorona“.

Lausenschlange

(low-zən-shlahng-gə) Lausenschlangen are snake-like creature with forked tongues, fangs, slanted eyes and skin covered in scales. They typically prey on lesser creatures (such as the Mauseherz) and use their powerful arms to crush their victims like a boa constrictor. They have been known to eat humans, with one of Nick’s ancestors finding the remains of two children in a Lausenschlange’s stomach after decapitating it. Lausenschlange is a combination of the German words for louse and snake. First seen in “Of Mouse and Man“.

Lebensauger

(German Leben “life” + Sauger “sucker”) Lebensauger are hideous lamprey-like Wesen that have porous skin and large, funnel-like mouths with sharp teeth. Due to their hideous appearance, they often experience self-loathing and even identity crisis, preferring to pretend in becoming what they want to be. They are generally considered to be amongst the most repulsive of Wesen and are subsequently known to be prone to substance abuse. Lebensauger are exceptionally good at keeping their true nature secretive and rarely Woge in front of other Wesen. First appears in “The Hour of Death“.

Löwen

(loh-ən) Löwen are lion-like Wesen that run gladiatorial games in which creatures are forced to fight each other to the death. The games have survived since ancient Rome because the Löwen allow bets to be placed on the fights. Löwen keep to themselves, existing much as a lion’s pride, and try not to let details about them or the games get out. Like Blutbladen, they appear to have a strong sense of smell. Derived from the German word “Löwe” which means lion. First seen in “Last Grimm Standing“.

Mauvais Dentes

(moh-vay dohⁿ) Mauvais Dentes are sabre-toothed tiger-like creatures known to be vicious killing machines, able to wipe out entire villages; Nick was only able to defeat one with the help of his mother. The only people strong enough to send a Mauvais Dentes is one of the royal families. They’re known to wait for the right moment to strike, along with pulling their prey in before striking, much like a cat. First seen in “Bad Teeth“, also appearing in “The Kiss“. Mauvais dents (not “dentes”) is French for “bad teeth”, but the Grimm name is pronounced as if it were mauvais donts.

Mauzhertz

(mowz-hurts) Mauzhertzen are mouse-like Wesen, well known for their cowardly streak. When confronted, they often flee to their “safety zones.” They tend to be hoarders. Nick is unable to find any mention of them in Marie’s books, something which Monroe attributes to their deeply ingrained timidity, saying that no Mauzhertz ever did anything to attract the attention of a Grimm; the Mauzhertz Nick faced had merely suffered a psychological breakdown due to an oppressive father rather than being naturally vicious. Mauzhertz is derived from two German words: Maus (mouse) and Herz (heart). The name has also the connotation of chicken-hearted in German. First seen in “Of Mouse and Man“.

Mellifer

(mel-i-fər) Mellifers are bee-like creatures that live and operate as part of a swarm with a hive mentality. The leader of a Mellifer hive is referred to as a Mellischwuler. Their hives are large and are where they harvest their own venom to use as a weapon. They have a connection with normal honeybees and often use them to provide cover for their movements. Mellifers’ only natural enemies are Hexenbiests. Mellifers are the only Wesen seen thus far who are openly friendly towards the Grimms. The Mellischwuler of Portland’s hive suggested that the Mellifers and the Grimms were old allies, with the Mellifers warning the Grimms of impending supernatural threats. She advised him that being a Grimm is “more important” than being a good police officer. It is possible that Nick’s actions during “Beeware” could have turned the Mellifers against the Grimms, or at least against him. The suggestion that Mellifers and Grimms are allies is challenged by a Hexenbiest who counters that Nick is being manipulated to fight a blood feud, thus introducing the concept that Wesen can be conniving and untrustworthy. Mellifer is the Latin word for honey-bearing, from which is derived Apis mellifera, the scientific name for the European honeybee. First seen in “Beeware“.

Murciélago

(mur-see-el-ə-goh) Murciélago are bat-like creatures that originate from Spain. They have glowing red eyes and vicious rows of teeth. They have the ability to produce a sonic shriek that is fatal to humans. The shriek ruptures eardrums, eyeballs, nasal passages, and bowels, as well as breaking glass in the vicinity. In addition to their sonic shriek, Murciélago also possess razor-sharp claws that they use as secondary weapons. Monroe refers to Murciélago as “Geölterblitz” (literally “greased lightning”, an actual German phrase for someone really fast) and “bats out of Hell”. A Murciélago’s screech is particularly unpleasant to the sensitive hearing of a Blutbad. As Monroe puts it, it can “peel the bark off a dog”. The best way to fight a Murciélago is to use a hand-cranked siren known as a Murciélago Matraca, which emits a supersonic noise that temporarily renders the Murciélago incompetent. Murciélago is Spanish for bat. First seen in “Happily Ever Aftermath“.

Nuckelavee

(new-kə-lah-vee) A Nuckelavee is a horse-type Wesen. One was sent by the Royal Families to track Nick. The name is derived from a Norse Orcadian myth, the “Knoggelvi”, which was a centaur-like being. First seen in “Quill“. The Orcadian Knoggelvi was known to cause epidemics and may well have caused the disease (or caused its aggressiveness) in “Quill.”

Reinigen

(ry-ni-gin) Reinigen are rat-like creatures. They are scavengers who are not usually violent, unless pushed to the edge. They can also control the behavior of rats by using their musical ability. Monroe states that they are “at the bottom of the food chain.” They are the mythological basis for The Pied Piper. Due to their typical non-violent nature it is likely that Reinigen do not have bad history with the Grimms. Reinigen means ‘to clean’ in German. First seen in “Danse Macabre“.

Schakale

(shah-kahl) Schakalen are jackal-like Wesen who seem to lead a thieving lifestyle. They are very ferocious and have been known to eat babies. “Schakal” means Jackal. Adolf Hitler was a Schakale who wore the Coins of Zakynthos as buttons on his collar during World War II. First seen in “Three Coins and a Fuchsbau“.

Seltenvogel

(zelt-ən-voh-gəl) A Seltenvogel is a bird-like Wesen, which Monroe compared to a canary or parakeet. They are hardly seen anymore- to the point where Monroe and Rosalee believed that they were extinct until Nick reported seeing one–and were previously kept as “pets” by royal families. Once in its lifetime, a Seltenvogel will develop a glandular bump on the center of their neck below their chin. Inside this bump is a golden item, called “Unbezahlbar” (meaning “priceless”), that must be cut out before it grows too large or the Seltenvogel will die. It is extremely rare, estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars; however, if broken, it is worthless. The growth of the Unbezahlbar can apparently be accelerated through an unspecified drug, but it is unclear if this is a natural part of the process (Although Nick witnessed a Klaustreich attempting to accelerate the growth to the point where the Seltenvogel nearly choked). Seltenvogel is a combination of the words: “selten” meaning “rare”, and “vogel” meaning “bird”. First seen in “The Thing with Feathers“.

Seelengut

(zay-lən-goot) Seelenguter is a sheep-like Wesen. They are timid and peaceful creatures who are almost never violent. They are also a highly social species that tend to congregate in large groups. Reverend Lance Calvin considered Seelenguter to be indecisive and incompetent. Like Bauerschwein, Seelenguter are normally considered by Blutbaden to be prey hence the reaction of sheer terror from Calvin’s Seelengut congregation shortly after Monroe walked into the church and sat down. However, as seen when attacking Lance Calvin, when they are in a herd mentality they are much braver. First seen in “The Good Shepherd“.

Siegbarste

(seeg-barst) Siegbarsten are very rare ogre-like Wesen known for their incredibly high pain threshold — medically described as congenital analgesia — and extremely dense bone structure, their incredible strength, and their tendency to carry on vendettas “to the grave.” They are vulnerable to “Siegbarste Gift”, a rare toxin specifically cultivated for use against Siegbarste (“Gift” is German for poison). This toxin is one of the few effective countermeasures, and in order to pierce their defenses requires a high-caliber rifle such as an elephant gun. Siegbarste Gift kills by calcifying the Siegbarste’s skeleton, essentially shattering the Siegbarste from the inside out. Siegbarste is a combination of the German words Sieg (meaning victory) and possibly barst (the past tense of bersten, to burst). A corruption of “unbesiegbar(ste)”, (most) invincible, would also be a possible explanation. Another explanation is the German word “siegbar”, which can be translated as “ability to gain victory”. First seen in “Game Ogre“.

Skalengeck

(skah-ləng-gek) Skalengeck are lizard-like Wesen. They usually intimidate their prey by greeting them with a hostile grin and their tongues hanging out. Monroe hints that they may enjoy pain or be somehow immune to it through pleasure. Skalengeck is a combination of the German word “scale” and “gecko”. First seen in “Pilot“, and featured more in “Island of Dreams“.

Spinnetod

(spin-i-tod) Spinnetods are spider-like Wesen whose females are afflicted with a condition that causes them to age rapidly (it is not clear if male Spinnetods share this condition). The only way they can stay young is to suck the life out of young men; Spinnetods who resist this urge rapidly age to the point where a 28-year-old Spinnetod will appear at least three times that age. They do this by vomiting a digestive juice into the victims mouth which liquifies their insides, then draining these by biting into the flesh with their large, spider-like fangs. Though this seems violent and evil, these creatures are more often than not incapable of stopping themselves, being controlled by their more primal urges not unlike the Blutbaden. Spinnetods have an odd attraction to shiny objects, often taking jewelry, watches, etc. from their kills. Spinnetods have the ability to regrow body parts such as fingers in a matter of days. They seem to be creatures relatively unknown to the Grimms; their only mention in the books is an untranslated scroll given by a Japanese Grimm. Spinnetod is combination of the German words for spider and death however the creature itself is based off the Jorōgumo, a demon from Japanese folklore. First seen in “Tarantella“.

Stangebär

(stahng-gə-bair-ən) Stangebären are porcupine-like Wesen that can expose and retract needle-like quills as a defense mechanism. Stangebärs are generally peaceful and docile, similar in nature to a Mauzhertz, Reinigen or Eisbiber. They tend to find work in areas that allow them to be outdoors. When Woged, Stangebärs display an impressively thick coat of colored quills, or spines, used both for armor as well as camouflage. Stangebär is a combination of the German words for rod and bear. First seen in “Quill.’

Steinadler

(styn-ahd-lər) Steinadlern are eagle-like Wesen that are commonly associated with the military and heroics. They are known to be very noble. When dealing with Steinadler, it is practical to go with a gut feeling on where their allegiances lie, at times these creatures can be hard to trust. Steinadler (literally Stone-eagle) is the German name for the Golden Eagle. First seen in “Three Coins in a Fuchsbau“.

Wendigo

(win-di-goh, Algonquian evil spirit or cannibal) Wendigo are savage, human-like Wesen that are Man-eaters, and are said to have breath like burnt flesh. When woged they grow short snow-white fur over their body, the teeth develop into needle-like fangs and the nails grow into long curved claws. They are known to store the remains of past meals in pits near their dining area and in some places underground. First seen in “To Protect and Serve Man“.

Wildermann

(vil-dər-mahn, -men-ər) Wildermänner are Bigfoot-like Wesen. Normally friendly creatures, Wildermann are intelligent loners who enjoy nature and activities such as building campfires, hiking, and camping. Wildermann is a combination of the German words for “savage” (wild) and “man”. First seen in “Big Feet“.

Ziegevolk

(zee-gə-vohlk) The Ziegevölker, or Bluebeards, are goat-like Wesen that release powerful pheromones that attack and subdue people. When one of the Ziegevolk consumes a Sonoran desert toad, their pheromones become much more potent. In creature form, Ziegevolk apparently have enhanced agility, as one managed to nearly escape Nick and Hank by jumping across rooftops. According to Monroe, Ziegevolk tend to be preachers, game-show hosts, and other actor types, due to the fact that they enjoy being in the public eye; according to the show’s Grimm Guide, famous Ziegevolk from real-world history included Giacomo Casanova, Frank Sinatra, and John F. Kennedy. Ziegevolk are considered nonviolent, intent on breeding rather than fighting. Herders, however, are Ziegevolk who capture and keep women for breeding, instead of simply “catch and release.” These are the ones who most commonly utilize the effects of toads to enhance their pheromone abilities. Ziegevolk is a combination of the German words for goat and people. All Ziegevolk seen or mentioned have been male, suggesting this may be a single-gender breed of Wesen. First seen in “Lonelyhearts“.

Minor Creatures

Dickfellig

(dik-fel-ig) Dickfellig are rhinoceros-like Wesen that make good fighters. Dickfellig is a combination of the German words for thick and furred. Dickfellig might also point to the phrase “Ein dickes Fell haben” (to have thick fur) which is the German version of the English phrase “to have a thick skin.” First seen in “Last Grimm Standing“.

Ghost

Ghosts are, like La Llorona, supernatural beings. The only known ghosts in Grimm are La Llorona’s three children. They look like pale humans, with black eyes and red pupils. They also appear to have a slight blue aura surrounding them. First seen in “La Llorona“.

Gefrierengeber

(Gə-FREER-ən-geb-bər) Gefrierengeber are not described in detail but mentioned in passing. Monroe comments that he makes a good Santa, but he’s “no Gefrierengeber.” It is implied that they have a high cold tolerance, most likely a polar-bear-type Wesen. Gefrierengeber probably is a combination of the German words for to freeze and giver. First mentioned in “Let Your Hair Down“.

Mordstier

(Mort-shteer) Mordstier are bull-like creatures. Mordstier is derived from two German words: Mord (murder) and Stier (bull). First seen in “Game Ogre“.

Schnietmache

(SHNEET-makh-ə) Schnietmache have been referenced twice as particularly dangerous Wesen in a fight, once by Monroe in “Tarentella” and once by Nick’s mom in “The Kiss“. We have been given no clue as to the nature of this Wesen, but the name seems to suggest a relation to the bringing of snow storms (the name derives from forms of the verbs “to snow” and “to make”).

Skalenzahne

(SKAH-lən-zahn/zay-nə) Skalenzähne are crocodile or alligator-like Wesen. They are relatively peaceful in human society, unless they taste human flesh, which can cause them to become violent, craving human meat. They are popular contenders in the Löwen games, because of their violent nature and apparent enjoyment of the fighting. Their name comes from the German word “tooth” and is a possible mistranslation of the English word “scale” into German, due to its dual meanings as both a measuring device and the segments of keratin covering the skin of certain reptiles. The German word “Skalen” is the plural of measuring scales, not the keratin pieces. The likely correct word would have been “Schuppen”. First seen in “Last Grimm Standing“.