NBC’s Grimm pulled us in with its unique, Pacific Northwest spin on classic fairy tales, weaving folklore into a suspenseful, magical crime drama set in Portland.
I have done a little digging to understand the mythological inspirations behind Grimm’s TV creatures. From the mischievous Hexenbiest to the sly Fuchsbau, each Wesen has a rooting and inspiration in folklore. Here is a brief guide of the myths, legends, and folklore behind some of the show’s most fascinating and fantastic Wesen.
1. Blutbad – Wolves in Folklore
The Blutbad is basically Grimm’s answer to the big bad wolf: part werewolf, part Germanic legend. Wolves were often symbolic of danger and wilderness, but also of loyalty, and the show leans into all of it. Blutbad literally means "bloodbath" in German, which sets the tone.
Grimm adds its own twist with the Wieder Blutbad, a reformed version who keeps the wolf tendencies in check through diet, discipline, and a lot of self-control. And of course, a fan-favorite Grimm character, Monroe, is a Blutbad.
Notable episodes and posts:
- Episode 106: The Three Bad Wolves
- Our favorite Blutbad's house: The House of Monroe
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| https://grimm.fandom.com/wiki/Monroe |
2. Hexenbiest – The Witch Inspired by German Folklore
The Hexenbiest is a Grimm character, roughly inspired by traditional German witches (Hexen) and fairy tale sorceresses. In folklore, Hexen were believed to wield magic for both good and ill, often feared for their knowledge of herbs, spells, and curses.
Grimm pushes the visual horror farther, giving them a corpse-like woge form with decayed features. Adalind is the best-known example, and the Hexenbiest storylines give us some of the show’s most intense arcs. They first appeared in the pilot, as well as notable episodes:
- Episode 117: Love Sick
- Episode 212: Season of the Hexenbeist
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| https://grimm.fandom.com/wiki/Pilot/Images |
3. Zauberbiest – The Male Counterpart
Zauberbiest translates roughly to “magic beast” and is the male warlock version of the Hexenbiest. These characters often possess extraordinary powers, can manipulate others, are are both feared and respected. Grimm Examples: Captain Sean Renard is a half-Zauberbiest, and Conrad Bonaparte is a full Zauberbiest.
4. Fuchsbau – The Cunning Fox Spirit
Fuchsbau, the fox-like Wesen named for the German term for "fox burrow" or "fox hole", draws from European folklore about clever, shape-shifting foxes. In many cultures, foxes symbolize trickery and intelligence, appearing as sly spirits that test humans or guard secrets.
Grimm’s interpretation leans into that cleverness, especially through Rosalee, who brings heart, humor, and a steady hand to the Spice Shop.
Notable episodes:
- Episode 113: Three Coins in a Fuchsbau
- Episode 217: One Angry Fuchsbau
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| https://grimm.fandom.com/wiki/Rosalee_Calvert |
5. Eisbiber – The Beaver-Like Builder
The Eisbiber, a more obscure Wesen, finds roots in mythological tales of industrious creatures like beavers, symbolizing resourcefulness. Many indigenous and European myths highlight animals as teachers of survival skills, a concept mirrored in the show’s portrayal.
The Eisbiber is a beaver-like Wesen that was first seen in "Danse Macabre". Of course, the Grimm beaver comes with full Oregon State University loyalty.
Notable episodes:
- Episode 105: Danse Macabre
- Episode 111: Tarantella (one of the most scenic)
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| nbc.com/grimm |
Rooted in old-world folklore but reimagined for a modern city, NBC's Grimm takes centuries-old mythologies and drops them right into daily Portland life. Wesen are living among humans and bridging traditional folklore with contemporary urban life. This creative approach not only entertains but also sparks curiosity about folklore, inspiring viewers to explore the myths behind the monsters.
