ettin. Image by Todd Lockwood
An ettin is an evil, smelly two-headed giant.
Physically he is very similar to an ogre; They have huge fangs and their skin is so tough and greyish that it seems covered in a layer of short fur. However, its size can be twice that of ogres. In fact, “ettin” comes from the English “eoten”, a disused word meaning “giant”.
The most characteristic of these beings is, without a doubt, the double head. Each head is independent and directs a part of its body. Thus, the left head controls the left arm and leg, and the right does the same for the right arm and leg. Hence the importance of reaching an agreement between both heads, or the result of the ettin’s movements can be disastrous.
However, the double head is more advantageous than it may seem, since it allows the ettin to have a greater field of vision and facilitates alertness. It is very difficult to find an ettin unawares, they are always ready for a fight.
The ettin have a very powerful attack since they are specialized in large weapons such as the club and the flail that, in addition, they can wield in both arms since each head coordinates a weapon.
Ettin fighting a dragon. Image by Joe Shawcross
Like the rest of the giants, they like to live in hills and mountains, and make caves their home. Being solitary beings, caves are usually occupied by a single ettin, unless they have offspring. In this case, they take care of the little ettin during the first years of its life, until they are considered adults.
They are not very intelligent, they barely manage to communicate with other beings and, if we add this to their little sociability, we will find that an ettin tends to be aggressive with almost any being in front of it. Although it is true that, on occasion, he can make deals with ogres or orcs, usually for evil purposes.
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