Grendel, Spawn of KnullHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Grendel, Spawn of Knull is a simple yet effective engine of destruction. Its Flying keyword ensures it can sail over most grounded defenders to deal direct damage to players or planeswalkers. Meanwhile, its Deathtouch keyword makes it a nightmare to block with other flyers; even a single point of damage from Grendel is sufficient to destroy any creature it touches, regardless of that creature's toughness.

How it Resolves Step by Step

First, when Grendel, Spawn of Knull is cast, it enters the stack as a creature spell. Once it resolves and enters the battlefield, its static abilities—Flying and Deathtouch—become active immediately. During the declare blockers step of combat, your opponent may only assign creatures with Flying or Reach to block Grendel. If blocked, Grendel deals damage in the combat damage step; any creature it deals at least 1 damage to will be destroyed the next time state-based actions are checked.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that Deathtouch also applies to non-combat damage, though Grendel typically deals damage through combat. Another error is miscalculating Trample; while Grendel does not have Trample itself, if it did, it would only need to assign 1 point of damage to a blocker to count as 'lethal,' allowing the rest to pass through to the player. Remember that Flying does not prevent Grendel from being targeted by spells or abilities; it only affects how it can be blocked.

When to Play it

Grendel is best deployed when your opponent relies on large, high-toughness creatures to stabilize their board. Because of Deathtouch, it acts as a deterrent for incoming attacks and a guaranteed removal spell during your own combat phase. In a deck utilizing Dragon or Villain synergies, its creature types may also unlock additional bonuses from other cards in your deck.

Interaction examples

Breaking Through a Golem's Defenses

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum, they cannot block Grendel, Spawn of Knull because the Golem lacks Flying or Reach. Grendel will deal its damage directly to the opponent. If the opponent somehow gives their Golem Flying, Grendel will destroy it instantly upon dealing combat damage due to Deathtouch, though the opponent will still get to draw a card from the Simulacrum's death trigger.

Tribal Synergy and Protection

Roaming Throne

If you play Roaming Throne and choose 'Dragon' or 'Villain,' it becomes that type. While Grendel, Spawn of Knull has no triggered abilities for Roaming Throne to double, Grendel can serve as a lethal defender for your Roaming Throne. Since Grendel has Flying and Deathtouch, it can destroy large flyers that might otherwise attempt to attack over your grounded Throne.