Gruumsh

One-eyed god of orcs; his eye was put out by the god of the elves (whose name will not pollute this entry). The Lore of Gruumsh is all important.

Other Names: One-Eye, He Who Never Sleeps, the One-Eyed God, He Who Watches

Gruumsh, also known as Gruumsh One-Eye, is the patron deity of Orc, who regard him as the god of Conquest, Survival, Strength, and Territory. His symbol is an empty eye socket, or his missing unwinking eye.

The orcish pantheon of gods consists of the leader Gruumsh, as well as Bahgtru, Ilneval, Luthic, Shargaas, and Yurtrus.

Description

Gruumsh appears as a powerful orc with one eye. A figure of fury and driven cruelty, Gruumsh rules his pantheon with brute power. His favored weapon is the spear.

Relationships

Gruumsh is the husband of Luthic and father of Bahgtru. Ilneval is his most capable lieutenant.

Gruumsh considers himself supreme, and considers every non-orc his enemy, holding special enmity for some. Gruumsh hates Corellon Larethian with a passion. He spreads this hatred to all of the Seldarine, especially Sehanine Moonbow, who fooled the orcish god many times to protect Corellon and her other family members. Gruumsh also loathes Moradin and the dwarven pantheon.

In his own pantheon, Gruumsh rules over all the other gods (although Shargaas and Yurtrus bear him little real loyalty beside that made from fear), and has his orders carried out through his lieutenant Ilneval.

Realm

Gruumsh's divine realm is the Iron Fortress in Nishrek.

Gruumsh shares his home in the Iron Fortress with his son Bahgtru and his lieutenant Ilneval.

Worshippers

As orcs that are not Priest, Shaman, or adepts are forbidden to speak his name, Gruumsh is also known as "One-Eye," "The One-Eyed God," "He-Who-Never-Sleeps," and "He-Who-Watches."

Clergy, temples, and rituals

Gruumsh's priests wear dark red vestments, war helms, and black or Red plate mail. His sacred animal is the giant rat. His holy day is the new moon, and he is worshipped in orcish lairs. A sacrifice of blood is made to him monthly.

Myths and legends

Lore of Gruumsh

Creative origins

Gruumsh was created by James M. Ward for the Deities and Demigods Cyclopedia (1980).