- For creatures that aren't Wesen, see Non-Wesen.
Wesen (VES-sən; Ger. "a being" or "creature") is a collective term used to describe the creatures visible to the Grimms. They are the basis not only of the fairy tales that the Brothers Grimm have compiled, but also of the many legends and folklore from many cultures (i.e. Anubis, Aswang, Chupacabra, and Wendigo).
When Wesen woge, they are able to recognize a Grimm by looking into their eyes. They can see an "infinite darkness" in a Grimm's eyes that allows a Wesen to see their reflection, where they can see their true Wesen nature. Many Wesen find it unsettling to see themselves reflected, and Monroe and Rosalee told Nick that it took some time for them to get used to it. ("Synchronicity")
History
Wesen were once worshiped as gods in Egypt, hence why many Egyptian gods, such as Anubis, Bastet, Tefnut, Ammit, and Khepri, are depicted with animal-like features. A few thousand years ago, thousands of slaves were tortured in search of Anubis, and a few of them were successfully mummified fully woged. The Beati Paoli are a group of Wesen that formed in the 17th century who are fully against the display of deceased Wesen for the world to see, and they go after things like museums, archaeological digs, antique auction houses, and sometimes private Wesen collectors if the collector is trafficking stolen Wesen antiquities. Most Wesen do not condone their methods, but they often have the same disapproving opinion of deceased Wesen being on display. While there are practical concerns of exposing the modern Wesen world by allowing woged remains to be examined by human science, the deceased is considered to be not just a part of Wesen heritage, but an ancestor to all Wesen and deserving of respectful final rest, whether by something like a ceremonial burial of the deceased's culture or a funeral pyre. ("Once We Were Gods")
During and before the Fourth Crusade, Wesen were used to fight in the armies of the Royal families, who used the Grimms to control and police their Wesen armies. Over the years, the Royal families either lost so much global power and influence that they could no longer use the Wesen as armies, or they had no need for Wesen soldiers and let the creatures spread across the world. ("Bad Teeth")
Over the centuries, carnivals have been known to house shows that force Wesen to fully woge for the act. These carnivals date back to Circus Maximus in Rome but have since become much more uncommon. Despite knowingly showing Wesen in full woge to humans, they technically do not break the Gesetzbuch Ehrenkodex due to the carnivals in question passing the Wesen off as magic tricks. ("The Show Must Go On")
There have also been several events throughout history that were related to some sort of Wesen problem but have long been thought to be caused by a completely separate issue amongst Kehrseiten. For instance, the majority of street riots have been and are instigated by Wesen; the Réveillon riots, the Boxer Rebellion, draft riots during the Civil War, and the Boston Tea Party were all started by Wesen. Specifically during the Réveillon riots in Paris in 1789, Wesen who worked for a Kehrseite factory owner named Réveillon were targeted and killed by other Wesen factory owners who looked down on Réveillon, but because he treated his workers well, many of his Wesen workers were loyal to him.
Characteristics
To date, if there has been a study on Wesen origins, it has not surfaced. Wesen are liminal, that is, they display two states of existence simultaneous within one physical body. ("Happily Ever Aftermath") Physiologically, Wesen are parahuman, exhibiting two distinct sets of DNA within the same system. ("Big Feet")
When in human form, Wesen are, by all accounts, physiologically that way and thus, can pass as human. However, certain aspects about them still sets them apart from the rest of humanity, such as the addictive effects that Jay has upon them (which would otherwise be fatal for humans) and their susceptibility to the Yellow Plague. Gelumcaedus for example, can live perfectly in dark and severely fetid conditions without any noticeable health problems even in human form. Certain species are also susceptible to specific Wesen diseases, such as a rare blood disease that affects canid Wesen and turns them into Wældreór, as well as a rare genetic disease affecting Indole Gentile called Kallikantzaroi. There is also a rare genetic disease affecting only Blutbaden that turns them into Lycanthropes during the three nights of the full moon. ("Chupacabra") ("The Grimm Who Stole Christmas") ("Lycanthropia") Every creature encountered by Nick Burkhardt is Wesen (excluding La Llorona, Volcanalis, the Golem, Mishipeshu, and Jack the Ripper).
The community consists of both good and bad creatures ranging from Blutbaden to Bauerschwein to Mauvais Dentes. Individually, Wesen generally behave stereotypically in accordance to their own kind (i.e. the Blutbaden being fierce and vindictive, Siegbarste being dangerously vengeful, or Mellifers having a hive-like mentality and penchant for sending messages). Some Wesen follow ritualistic practices passed down through history (i.e. the Aseveracion and the Roh-hatz). Other than the Grimms keeping the Wesen in check, only the Seven Houses are aware of the real workings of the world, as the majority of humanity is blissfully unaware of their existence.
Ziegevolk, Musai, and Cracher-Mortel all have abilities that allow them to influence or have complete control over people. Ziegevolk use their pheromones to control and manipulate whoever they want, usually women. ("Lonelyhearts") ("One Angry Fuchsbau") The lips of Musai secrete a psychotropic substance, making their kiss known to be very euphoric and addictive. After they kiss someone, they are able to easily manipulate their victims. Who will do whatever they have to, in order to prove their love for the Musai, even kill someone or die themselves. ("Kiss of the Muse") Cracher-Mortel have the ability to create an army of zombie-like victims by spitting tetradotoxin on to the face of a victim. Which seeps into the skin of the victim or is inhaled by the victim and shuts down the neurosignals of nerves and heart cells, causing suspended animation. Atropine and scopolamine toxins reanimate the victim in a zombified state. In this state, the victim is in a trance and will perform whatever task is asked of them by the Cracher-Mortel. ("The Waking Dead") ("Goodnight, Sweet Grimm") ("The Ungrateful Dead")
Despite being parahuman themselves, many Wesen eat humans (ex: Blutbaden, Schakals, Wendigo, Coyotls, and Mauvais Dentes) or other Wesen (ex: Blutbad eat Bauerschwein and Seelengut, while Lausenschlange eat Mauzhertz).
Some Wesen, like Raub-Kondors, hunt other Wesen, such as Glühenvolk, for their skins. They use a potion called Sauver Sa Peau to keep them woged after death for up to 8 hours so they can skin them. ("Endangered") The Leporem Venators use a similar method to keep the foot of a Willahara woged so they can sell it for the illegal practice of Spedigberendess. ("Bad Luck") Vibora Dorada use their sharp fangs to inject a neurotoxin into their victims. It paralyzes them, and if the victim is woged when they are bit, the neurotoxin will keep them in that state. ("Silence of the Slams")
In "Love Sick", Nick fights with Adalind and gets her to bite his lip causing him to bleed, and some of the blood gets into her mouth. A few seconds later, the Hexenbiest spirit inside of Adalind leaves her body causing her to become a normal person and lose all of her powers. So far, this is the only time that a Wesen became a human, and it's unknown if Grimm blood affects other Wesen types the same way. However, it is possible for the Hexenbiest to regain her powers if she completes the Contaminatio Ritualis, which results in the creation of a red paste that must be rubbed on the stomach of the Hexenbiest. If a Hexenbiest is pregnant during the performing of this ritual, once she gives birth, her powers and ability to woge return to her, and the infant also will have enhanced abilities. ("The Ungrateful Dead") ("PTZD") ("Mommy Dearest")
It may also be possible to turn Wesen into normal humans via drugs. Konstantin Brinkerhoff pioneered a series of medicines that would supposedly remove the ability to woge. While the experiments were undoubtedly a failure, ("Big Feet") it must be pointed out that Brinkerhoff insisted that the drugs would work if he'd been given the time to perfect the dosage and delivery system. It was also unclear as to whether the drugs interfered with other Wesen abilities, such as enhanced smell (Blutbaden) and increased bone density (Siegbarste). As far as humans turning into a Wesen, it is possible, but it requires dangerous magic and may not be repeatable, as when Juliette turned into a Hexenbiest as a side effect from sleeping with Nick in the form of Adalind in order to restore Nick's powers as a Grimm. ("Highway of Tears") Other than this instance, it appears that humans can only become Wesen in face only by wearing a Wesen mask that has been imbued by a Santeria priest with the ability to transfer the Wesen attributes onto its owner. ("Silence of the Slams")
Behavior
Some species, such as Blutbaden and Fuchsbaus, will perform an action called Vertrautheiten (Ger. "familiarities"), which is a way for two different species to start trusting each other more, as being very close to another being is a special and sacred thing for Wesen. They let another Wesen get close enough to "memorize" their scent. To complete the action, the Wesen involved woge and then smell and rub up against each other on both sides of the other's face. ("Revelation")
If Wesen force their woge too many times and too often, their Wesen side can eventually start to take over, a situation known as the Umkippen (Ger. "tip," "upset"). If a Wesen is suffering from the Umkippen, their Wesen side could get out of control and completely eclipse any shred of humanity left if one does not go through some form of intervention. The suffering Wesen experiences blackouts and doesn't remember anything during the time that they lose control. ("The Show Must Go On")
Wesen are affected slightly differently by dementia than humans are, but the symptoms can be quite serious. As the condition worsens, their behavior grows increasingly restless, and they start to woge unpredictably and can be become prone to attacking others at random. Wesen suffering from this are not aware of what they are doing when they are in this type of state. A caretaker or family member will typically contact a Gevatter Tod, who uses their Wesen ability to euthanase the dementia-stricken Wesen and help them pass on in a more peaceful and dignified manner than what might otherwise occur. This responsibility of the Gevatter Tod to protect the Wesen community from becoming exposed to the public is taken very seriously, and some couples, such as Monroe and Rosalee, make a promise to each other to contact a Gevatter Tod if either spouse is ever suffering from dementia. ("Blood Magic")
Genetics
The complexity of Wesen genetics can be hard to understand, but Monroe and Rosalee explained a few things: ("Stories We Tell Our Young")
Wesen | Kehrseite | Kehrseite-Genträger | |
---|---|---|---|
Wesen | 100% | 50% | 100% |
Kehrseite | 50% | 0% | 0% |
Kehrseite-Genträger | 100% | 0% | ? |
In a grundfalsch (GROOND-fawlsh; Ger. "fundamentally flawed") or grundverschiedene (groond-vair-SHEED-nuh; Ger. "contrasting styles") mixed-Wesen relationship, there is a Vorherrscher (FOHR-hair-shuh; Ger. "prevalence"); the offspring will be the "more dominant" Wesen type. There are health risks for the developing offspring, of course. ("Stories We Tell Our Young")
Hybrids
In some cases, genetics can get more complicated when it comes to hybrids. It is possible for the offspring of a human and a Wesen, such as a Hexenbiest, to not be able to woge fully and only have parts of their face and/or other body parts woge as with the case of Sean Renard. It is also possible for the DNA of one Wesen species to be spliced with the DNA of another while in utero, which is what Dr. Higgins did with her son, Pierce. Doing so caused Pierce to experience something equivalent to a split personality disorder, where he could woge into both his Genio Innocuo self and his Löwen self, though his Löwen side would come out without him realizing it, and it would only do so to protect him or eliminate threats/competition from his life. However, since this transformation was the result of forced genetics, it is left unclear what would happen if the two species had bred naturally. ("The Other Side")
There has been only one documented case of Wesen body parts being successfully transplanted to a human body, but this operation was only successful in the sense that the resulting being did not reject the transplanted tissue and could stay alive. These hybrid creatures are likely better off being dead, however, as they reject what they've become and, as a result, become vengeful, prone to extremely violent behavior and seeking to kill those who are responsible for creating them. They are able to woge each transplanted limb individually. It is unknown if these types of hybrids could survive for very long in their new state. ("The Son Also Rises")
Wesen by Season
Season | New Species Seen | New Species Mentioned/Seen in a Diary or Book |
---|---|---|
Species
For the TV series, there have been a total of 132 Wesen species encountered, mentioned, seen in a diary (one of which was only seen in a promo image for "Map of the Seven Knights"), or seen in Rosalee's spice shop books. There have also been 17 other species seen or mentioned in the Grimm comics, 1 species in the novels, and 2 species that have never been seen or mentioned anywhere except for on the Season 1 DVD packaging and in Aunt Marie's Book of Lore.
Note: The Rißfleisch and the Waschbar are counted separately between the show and the comics, as the Rißfleisch was only seen in a Grimm diary and the Waschbar was only mentioned on the show, but they both appeared in the comics.
Physically Appeared Wesen
Name | Image | Pronunciation | Type | First Appearance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alpe | ALP (In German: Alp "nightmare") | Nightmare creature | "Breakfast in Bed" | |
Anubis | uh-NOO-biss (In Latin: Anūbis "Anubis, Egyptian God of the cemetery") | Jackal-like creature | "Once We Were Gods" | |
Apgadnieks | uhp-GĀD-nee-eks (In Latvian: "wage earner, breadwinner, supporter") | Husky-like creature | "Lost Boys" | |
Aswang | ah-SWAH-ng (In Tagalog: "monster") | Ghoul-like creature | "Mommy Dearest" | |
Ataktos Fuse | uh-TAHK-tohs FOO-see (In Greek: "mischievous nature") | Cicada-like creature | "The Seven Year Itch" | |
Balam | ɓaa-LAAM (In Yucatec: "jaguar") | Jaguar-like creature | "La Llorona" | |
Barbatus Ossifrage | bahr-BAH-tis oh-suh-FRAH-guh (In Latin: barbatus "bearded" + os, ossis "bone" + -fragus "breaker") | Bearded vulture-like creature | "Good to the Bone" | |
Bauerschwein | BOW-ur-shvine (In German: Bauer "farmer" + Schwein "pig") | Pig-like creature | "The Three Bad Wolves" | |
Blutbad | BLOOT-baat (In German: Blut "blood" + Bad "bath") | Wolf-like creature | "Pilot" | |
Coyotl | koh-YOO-tuhl (In Nahuatl: "coyote") | Coyote-like creature | "Bad Moon Rising" | |
Cracher-Mortel | CRA-shay mor-TEL (In French: Cracher "to spit" + Mortel "deadly" or "mortal") | Puffer fish-like creature | "The Waking Dead" | |
Cupiditas | kyoo-PID-ee-tahs (In Latin: cupido + -tās "desire, longing, lust") | Cupid-like creature | "Blind Love" | |
Dämonfeuer | DAY-mon-foy-ər (In German: Dämon "demon" + Feuer "fire") | Dragon-like creature | "Plumed Serpent" | |
Dickfellig | DIK-fay-likh (In German: "thick-skinned") | Rhinoceros-like creature | "Last Grimm Standing" | |
Drang-Zorn | DRAHNG-tsorn (In German: Drang "urge, stress" + Zorn "rage, fury, or wrath") | Badger-like creature | "The Bottle Imp" | |
Eisbiber | ICE-bee-bur (In German: Eis "ice" + Biber "beaver") | Beaver-like creature | "Danse Macabre" | |
El Cucuy | el KOO-koo-ee (In Spanish: el Coco "the Bogeyman") | Bogeyman-like creature | "El Cucuy" | |
El Cuegle | el KWEG-ley (In Spanish: Cuegle) | Monster-like creature | "El Cuegle" | |
Excandesco | eks-KAHN-dee-skoh (In Latin: "catch fire") | Devil-like creature | "Trial by Fire" | |
Folterseele | FOHL-tuh-zay-luh (In German: Folter "torture" + Seele "soul") | Frog-like creature | "Heartbreaker" | |
Fuchsbau | FOOKS-bow (In German: "fox hole" or "burrow") | Fox-like creature | "Organ Grinder" | |
Fuchsteufelwild | FOOKHS-toy-fuhl-vilt (In German: fuchsteufelswild "furious as a fox-devil") | Goblin-like creature | "Nameless" | |
Fuilcré | FWIL-krey or FIL-krey (In Irish: Fuil "blood" + Cré "clay") | Ox-like creature | "Star-Crossed" | |
Furis Rubian | FYOOR-is ROO-bee-on or FYOOR-is ROO-bee-in (In Latin: "red devil" or "red demon," from furia "Fury" or "demonic spirit" + rubrum "red") | Horned toad-like creature | "The Believer" | |
Gedächtnis Esser | guh-DAYKHT-niss ESS-er (In German: Gedächtnis "memory" + Esser "eater") | Octopus-like creature | "Thanks for the Memories" | |
Geier | GY-ər (In German: "vulture") | Vulture-like creature | "Organ Grinder" | |
Gelumcaedus | GAY-loom-KY-dus (In Latin: Gelum "coldness" + Caedis "kill") | Alligator-like creature | "Cold Blooded" | |
Genio Innocuo | JEE-nee-oh in-NO-koo-oh (In Italian: Genio "genius" + Innocuo "harmless") | Tortoise-like creature | "The Other Side" | |
Gevatter Tod | guh-FAH-tuh toht (In German: "The Grim Reaper" or "godfather death") | Assassin bug-like creature | "Blood Magic" | |
Glühenvolk | GLOO-in-folk (In German: Glühen "glow" + Volk "people") | Alien-like creature | "Endangered" | |
Hasenfussige Schnecke | HAH-sen-foo-sikh-uh SHNEH-kuh (In German: Hasenfüßig "cowardly" + Schnecke "slug") | Blobfish-like creature | "Wesen Nacht" | |
Hässlich | HAYS-likh (In German: "ugly") | Troll-like creature | "Pilot" | |
Heftigauroch | HEFF-tigh-ow-rohkh (In German: Heftig "violently" or "severe" + Aurochs) | Bull-like creature | "The Last Fight" | |
Hexenbiest (♀)
Zauberbiest (♂) |
HEK-sən-beest (In German: Hexe "witch" + Biest "beast")
TSOW-bər-beest (In German: Zauber "magic" or Zauberer "wizard" + Biest "beast") |
Witch-like creature
Warlock-like creature |
"Pilot" | |
Höllentier | HØ-lehn-teer (In German: Hölle "hell" + Tier "animal") | Hellhound-like creature | "El Cucuy" | |
Hundjäger | HOOND-yay-gər (In German: Hund "dog" + Jäger "hunter") | Hound dog-like creature | "Cat and Mouse" | |
Huntha Lami Muuaji | HOONT-uh LAH-mee moo-AH-zhi (In Swahili: "hermaphrodite" + "tar" + "murderer") | Flatworm-like creature | "Double Date" | |
Indole Gentile | EEN-doh-lay jen-TEE-lay (In Italian: "nature" + "kind") | Sweet, doe-faced creature | "The Grimm Who Stole Christmas" | |
Inugami | ee-noo-GAH-mee (In Japanese: 犬神 "dog god") | Ghost dog-like creature | "Inugami" | |
Jägerbar | YAY-gər-bar (In German: Jäger "hunter" + Bär "bear") | Bear-like creature | "Bears Will Be Bears" | |
Jinnamuru Xunte | JIN-nuh-muh-ROO CHOON-tay (In Eastern Maninkakan: jinne "evil spirit" + muruxuntee "person with a limp") | Fly-like creature | "Mr. Sandman" | |
Kackenkopf | KAH-kin-kopf (In German: "poop head") | Dung beetle-like creature | "Into the Schwarzwald" | |
Kitsune | KEET-soo-ney (In Japanese: "fox") | Fox-like creature | "Inugami" | |
Klaustreich | KLOU-strahyk (In German: Klaue "claw" + Streich "strike") | Alley cat-like creature | "The Thing with Feathers" | |
Königschlange | KOE-nig-shlaa-nguh (In German: König "king" + Schlange "snake") | King cobra-like creature | "Over My Dead Body" | |
Koschie | KAH-shee (In Russian: Коще́й "Koshchey") | Radioactive skeleton man-like creature | "Red Menace" | |
Krampus | KRAAM-puus (In German: Krampen "claw") | Anti-Santa creature | "Twelve Days of Krampus" | |
Lausenschlange | LOW-zin-shlo-nguh (In German: Laus "louse" + Schlange "snake") | Snake-like creature | "Of Mouse and Man" | |
Lebensauger | LAY-bən-sou-gər (In German: Leben "life" + sauger "sucker") | Leech-like creature | "The Hour of Death" | |
Löwen | LOH-win (In German: "lion") | Lion-like creature | "Last Grimm Standing" | |
Luisant-Pêcheur | lw-EE-zah pesh-UR (In French: Luisant "shiny" + Pêcheur "fisher") | Otter-like creature | "Kiss of the Muse" | |
Luison | lwee-SOH(n) (In Guarani: "wolf-man") | Wolf-like creature | "Cry Luison" | |
Malin Fatal | MAH-leh fə-TAL (In French: Malin "malicious" + Fatal "fatal") | Boar-like creature | "Red Menace" | |
Manticore | MAN-tə-kor (In English: Manticore; from Early Middle Persian: Martyaxwar "a legendary Persian cryptid") | Half lion, half scorpion-like creature | "The Good Soldier" | |
Matança Zumbido | mah-TAHN-cuh zoom-BEE-doe (In Portuguese: "buzz kill") | Electric eel-like creature | "Death Do Us Part" | |
Mauvais Dentes | MO-vay don (In French: Mauvais "bad" + Dents "teeth") | Saber-toothed cat-like creature | "Bad Teeth" | |
Mauzhertz | MOWTS-hairts (In German: Maus "mouse" + Herz "heart") | Mouse-like creature | "Of Mouse and Man" | |
Mellifer | MEL-ə-fər (In Latin: Mellis "honey" + Ferre "to bear") | Bee-like creature | "Beeware" | |
Murciélago | Mur·cié·la·go (In Spanish: "bat") | Bat-like creature | "Happily Ever Aftermath" | |
Musai | moo-SAHY (In Ancient Greek: Μοῦσαι "muses") | Muse-like creature | "Kiss of the Muse" | |
Musasat Alsh-Shabab | moo-suh-SAHT al-shuh-BOB(In Arabic: مُصَاصَة الشِّباب "youth sucker") | Scarab beetle-like creature | "Skin Deep" | |
Naiad | NY-ad (In Middle English: "water nymph") | Mermaid-like creature | "One Night Stand" | |
Nuckelavee | noo-keh-LAA-vee (In Scottish Gaelic: Nuckelavee) | Horse-like creature | "Quill" | |
Pflichttreue | PFLIKHT-troy-ə (In German: "one who is dutiful") | White panther-like creature | "Stories We Tell Our Young" | |
Phansigar | FAN-sih-gar (In Urdu: پھانسی (phansi) "to hang (someone)") + (In Persian: گر (gar) "doer") | Komodo dragon-like creature | "Highway of Tears" | |
Quijada Vil | kee-HAH-duh VEEL (In Spanish: Quijada "jaw" + Vil "vile") | Gila monster-like creature | "Clear and Wesen Danger" | |
Raub-Kondor | ROWB kohn-dorr (In German: Raub "robbery" + Kondor "condor") | Condor-like creature | "Endangered" | |
Reinigen | RY-ni-gin (In German: "to clean") | Rat-like creature | "Danse Macabre" | |
Schakal | SHAAK-aal (In German: "jackal") | Jackal-like creature | "Three Coins in a Fuchsbau" | |
Scharfblicke | SHAARF-blik-uh (In German: Scharf "sharp" + Blicke "sight", "look" or "view") | Owl-like creature | "Face Off" | |
Schinderdiv | SHIN-ter-dihv (In German: Schinder "flayer" or "oppressor") + (In New Persian: دیو (div) "false god") | Warthog-like creature | "The Last Fight" | |
Seelengut | ZAY-luhn-goot (In German: "kindhearted") | Sheep-like creature | "The Good Shepherd" | |
Seltenvogel | ZEL-tən-voh-gəl (In German: Selten "rare" + Vogel "bird") | Rare bird-like creature | "The Thing with Feathers" | |
Siegbarste | ZEEG-bars-tuh (In German: Sieg "victory" + Barst "burst, broken") | Ogre-like creature | "Game Ogre" | |
Skalengeck | SKAA-lən-gek (In German: Skalen "measuring scales" + Geck "fop") | Lizard-like creature | "Pilot" | |
Skalenzahne | SKAA-lin-tsaa-nuh (In German: Skalen "scales" + Zähne "teeth") | Crocodile-like creature | "Last Grimm Standing" | |
Spinnetod | SHPIN-nuh-toht (In German: Spinne "spider" + Tod "death") | Spider-like creature | "Tarantella" | |
Stangebär | SHTAA-nguh-bair (In German: Stange "rod, spear" + Bär "bear") | Porcupine-like creature | "Quill" | |
Steinadler | STINE-ad-lur (In German: Stein "stone" + Adler "eagle") | Hawk-like creature | "Three Coins in a Fuchsbau" | |
Taureus-Armenta | TOHR-uhs ahr-MEN-tuh or tohr-REY-uhs ahr-MEN-tuh (In Latin: Taureus "bull", "ox" + Armenta "cattle for ploughing") | Minotaur-like creature | "Volcanalis" | |
Taweret | tou-er-ET (In Ancient Egyptian: "she who is great" or "great one") | Hippopotamus-like creature | "The Seven Year Itch" | |
Uhranuti | oo-rah-NOO-tee (In Czech: "evil eye") | Falcon-like creature | "Key Move" | |
Ungeziefer Greifer | oon-geh-TSEE-fuh GRAHY-fuh (In German: "vermin" + "grasper" or "claw") | Weasel-like creature | "Key Move" | |
Unnamed Red Herring-like Wesen | Red herring-like creature | "Breakfast in Bed" | ||
Varme Tyv | VAHR-muh TEEV (In Norwegian: "heat + thief") | Snake-like creature | "Hibernaculum" | |
Vibora Dorada | vee-BOHR-uh doh-RAH-duh (In Spanish: Víbora dorada "golden viper") | Chimeric snake-like creature | "Silence of the Slams" | |
Vulpesmyrca | VUHL-puss-MIR-kuh (In Latin: Vulpes "fox") + (In Anglo-Saxon: Myrc "dark") | Black fox-like creature | "Bad Luck" | |
Wældreór | WAL-DREH-ohr (In Anglo-Saxon: wæl-dreór "blood of the slain") | Diseased canid-like creature | "Chupacabra" | |
Wasser Zahne | VAH-sir TSAH-neh (In German: "water" + "teeth") | Aquatic reptile-like creature | "A Reptile Dysfunction" | |
Wendigo | WIN-dee-go (In Algonquian: "evil spirit" or "cannibal") | Cannibal-like creature | "To Protect and Serve Man" | |
Weten Ogen | VET-in oh-gin (In Dutch: "knowing eyes") | Lynx-like creature | "Maiden Quest" | |
Wettbewerbsgewinner | VET-buh-veyʁbs-guh-VIN-uh (In German: "competition winner") | Avian + reptilian-like creature | "Into the Schwarzwald" | |
Wildermann | VIL-dər-maan (In German: Wilder "wild" + Mann "man") | Bigfoot-like creature | "Big Feet" | |
Wildesheer | VIL-dəs-hair (In German: Wildes "wild" + Heer "army") | Wolf-like creature | "The Wild Hunt" | |
Willahara | vil-uh-HAHR-uh (In Old English: willa "pleasure" + hara "hare") | Rabbit-like creature | "Bad Luck" | |
Yaguaraté | YAH-gwar-et-aye (In Spanish: Yaguareté "jaguar") | Jaguar-like creature | "Eyes of the Beholder" | |
Ziegevolk | TSEE-guh-folk (In German: Ziege "goat" + Volk "people") | Goat-like creature | "Lonelyhearts" |
Other
Name | Image | Pronunciation | First Appearance |
---|---|---|---|
Riesen-Ratte | ⟨ʀ⟩EE-zuhn-⟨ʀ⟩ah-tuh (In German: "giant rat") | "The Rat King" | |
Zerstörer | tsair-SHTOER-ehr (In German: "destroyer") | "Blind Love" |
Mentioned/Seen in Grimm Diaries only Wesen
Name | Image | Pronunciation | Type | First Appearance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Abartige Aasfresser | AHB-ar-tih-guh AHSS-freh-suhr (In German: abartig "deviant" + Aasfresser "scavenger") | Hyena-like creature | "The Inheritance" | |
Abath | AH-bahth (In English: "female unicorn") | Unicorn-like creature | "Blond Ambition" | |
Ak-Moho-Alii | ahk-MOH-hoh-ah-LEE (In Māori: "king of all sharks") | Shark-like creature | "Map of the Seven Knights" | |
Amarok | UHM-uh-rohk (In Inuit: "wolf") | Yeti-like creature | "Hibernaculum" | |
Ammit | AHM-mit (In Egyptian: "devourer of the dead") | Chimera-like creature | "Once We Were Gods" | |
Augapfel-Aushacken | OWK-ahp-fel-OWSS-hah-ken (In German: "to peck out the eyeball") | Bird-like creature | "Nobody Knows the Trubel I've Seen" | |
Bastet | BAHS-t (In Egyptian: "she of the ointment jar") | Feliform-like creature | "Once We Were Gods" | |
Bhari Kadama | pah-[R]EE kah-dah-MUH (In Hindi: भारी "Heavy" + कदम "Steps") | Elephant-like creature | "Map of the Seven Knights" | |
Curupira | koo-roo-PEER-uh (In Portuguese, from Tupi: kuru'pir "Covered in blisters," or curumi + pira "Boy's body") | Unknown | "Tree People" | |
Empousai | EH-boo-sahy (In Ancient Greek: έμπούς (empous) en- "one" + pous "foot") | Chimera-like creature | "Map of the Seven Knights" | |
Faeteo fatalis | FAY-tee-oh fə-TALL-is (In Latin: Faeteo "stinking" + Fatalis "deadly") | Skunk-like creature | "El Cucuy" | |
Fétide Taillader | FEH-tid TAH-yah-deh (In French: "fetid" + "to slash") | Unknown | "Nobody Knows the Trubel I've Seen" | |
Fossegrim | FOS-uh-grimm (In Norwegian: Foss "waterfall") | Frog-like creature | "Hibernaculum" | |
Gefrierengeber | gə-FREE-rən-guh-BAIR (In German: Gefrieren "to freeze, forming ice or frost" + Gebär "giver") | Unknown | "Let Your Hair Down" | |
Handwerksburschen | HAND-vairks-BOOR-shuhn (In German: "craftsmanship") | Goblin-like creature | "El Cucuy" | |
Karkinos | KAHR-kee-nohs (In Ancient Greek: Καρκινος "Cancer") | Giant crab-like creature | "Map of the Seven Knights" | |
Khepri | KHEP-ree (In Egyptian: "creator") | Beetle-like creature | "Once We Were Gods" | |
Leshy | LESH-ee (In Russian: Ле́ший "Wood goblin," or literally translated, "[He] from the forest") | Unknown | "Tree People" | |
Lob Hombre | lohb OM-bray (In Spanish: Lobo "wolf" + Hombre "man") | Wolf-like creature | "Cry Luison" | |
Mordstier | MORT-shteer (In German: Mord "murder" + Stier "bull") | Bull-like creature | "Game Ogre" | |
Peau de la Mort | POE duh la MORR (In French: "skin of death") | Unknown | "Heartbreaker" | |
Rißfleisch | RISS-flysh (In German: Riss "tore, ripped" or Riss "the kill of a predator -> prey" + Fleisch "flesh, meat") | Tiger-like creature | "Game Ogre" | |
Rotznasig Carcaju | ROHTS-naa-zig kar-KAH-zhu (In German: Rotznasig "snot-nosed") + (In Portuguese: Carcaju "wolverine") | Wolverine-like creature | "Bad Teeth" | |
Sairento Shi | sahy-REN-toh SHEE (In Japanese: サイレント "Silent" + 死 "Death") | Mantis-like creature | "Map of the Seven Knights" | |
Sangrienta Manos | sahn-gree-IN-tah MAH-nohss (In Spanish: "bloody hands") | Unknown | "Nobody Knows the Trubel I've Seen" | |
Schneetmacher | SHNAYT-maakh-ər (In German: Schnee "snow" and Schneien "to snow" + Macher "maker") | Unknown | "Tarantella" | |
Shnabeltiermörder | SHNA-bəl-teer-MØR-tər (In German: Schnabeltier "platypus" + Mörder "murderer") | Platypus-like creature | "The Good Soldier" | |
Tefnut | TEF-nut (In Egyptian: "that water") | Lion-like creature | "Once We Were Gods" | |
Trasque | TRASK (In French: Tarasque "a legendary Galatian dragon") | Dragon-like creature | "The Good Soldier" | |
Ukufu Okusheshayo | oo-GOO-foo oh-koo-sheh-SHAH-yoh (In Zulu: "fast death") | Cheetah-like creature | "Map of the Seven Knights" | |
Volkodlak | FOE-kode-lahk (In Slovenian: "wolf hair") | Wolf-like creature | "Cry Luison" | |
Waage | VAA-guh (In German: "[weighing] scales") | Unknown | "Pilot" | |
Waschbar | VAASH-bar (In German: "raccoon") | Raccoon-like creature | "Organ Grinder" |
Mentioned in Rosalee's books only Wesen
Name | Pronunciation | Type | First Appearance |
---|---|---|---|
Schmerzen-Kaninchen | SHMAYR-tsen kuh-NEEN-shin (In German: "pain rabbit") | Rabbit-like creature | "Goodnight, Sweet Grimm" |
Unused Wesen
These Wesen have never been seen or mentioned on the show, comics, novels, etc. but they were both listed on the Season 1 DVD packaging and in Aunt Marie's Book of Lore.
Name | Pronunciation | Type |
---|---|---|
Grauhund | GROW-hoont (In German: "grey dog") | Greyhound-like creature |
Spokelseshorn | SPU-kil-suhss-horn (In New Norwegian: spøkelse "ghost" + horn "antler") | Skeletal elk-like creature |
Wesen Seen/Mentioned in Comics Only
Name | Image | Pronunciation | Type | First Appearance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Frosch Schleimig | FROSH shly-mikh (In German: Frosch "frog" + Schleimig "slimy") | Frog-like creature | Issue 10 (Volume 1) | |
Hadosheru | HAA-doh-SHEH-roo (In Japanese: "hard shell") | Rhinoceros-beetle-like creature | Issue 9 (Volume 1) | |
Hippos athanatos | HEEP-pohs ah-THAH-nah-tohs (In Ancient Greek: "deathless horse") | Horse-like creature | Issue 11 (Volume 1) | |
Ichor-thanatos | EE-khor THAH-nah-tohs (In Ancient Greek: "death") | Hydra-like creature | Issue 11 (Volume 1) | |
Kasipepo | KAA-see-PAY-poh (In Swahili: Kasi "speed" + Pepo "demon") | Cheetah-like creature | Issue 7 (Volume 1) | |
Maahes | MAH-hees (In Ancient Egyptian: "he who is beside her") | Lion-like creature | Issue 10 (Volume 1) | |
Minotaur | MIN-ə-ta(w)r (In English Minotaur; from Ancient Greece: Μινώταυρος "Minos's bull") | Bull-headed man-like creature | Issue 2 (Volume 1) | |
Nilpferd | NILP-fairt (In German: "hippopotamus") | Hippopotamus-like creature | Issue 3 (Volume 1) | |
Rißfleisch | RISS-flysh (In German: Riss "tore, ripped" or Riss "the kill of a predator -> prey" + Fleisch "flesh, meat") | Tiger-like creature | Issue 12 (Volume 1) | |
Sorglosgör | ZORG-lohs-gur (In German: Sorglos "carefree" + Gör "child") | Old child-like creature | Issue 6 (Volume 1) | |
Unnamed Chinese Dragon-like Wesen | Chinese Dragon-like creature | Issue 10 (Volume 1) | ||
Unnamed Dromaeosaur-like Wesen | Dromaeosaur-like creature | It's Portland, Wu Issue 1 | ||
Unnamed Griffin-like Wesen | Griffin-like creature | Issue 12 (Volume 1) | ||
Unnamed Hare-like Wesen | Hare-like creature | It's Portland, Wu Issue 1 | ||
Unnamed Schnauzer-like Wesen | Schnauzer-like creature | It's Portland, Wu Issue 1 | ||
Unnamed Seal-like Wesen | Seal-like creature | Issue 12 (Volume 1) | ||
Unnamed Weasel-like Wesen | Weasel-like creature | Issue 1 (Volume 1) | ||
Unnamed Yoda-like Wesen | Yoda-like creature | Issue 12 (Volume 1) | ||
Waschbar | VAASH-bar (In German: "raccoon") | Raccoon-like creature | Issue 1 (Volume 1) | |
Wütende Taube | VOO-ten-də TOW-bə (In German: "angry pigeon") | Pigeon-like creature | Issue 8 (Volume 1) |
Novel Wesen
Name | Pronunciation | Type | First Appearance |
---|---|---|---|
Wechselbalg | VEKH-sel-balkh (In German: "changeling") | Doppelgänger creature | The Killing Time |
Names by Language
This is a breakdown to show which language each Wesen's name is in. All species that physically appeared, were seen in the Grimm diaries, or were only mentioned in any Grimm media including the TV series, comics, or novels, are included.