Ettin
Large Giant · · CR 4
- Giant
- Large
- Tier 1
Ettin is a large giant of chaotic evil alignment, CR 4. Found in hill, mountain, and underground. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 4
- Type
- Giant
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Hill, Mountain, Underground
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Ettins inhabit hill caves, mountain crags, and underground caverns, scavenging livestock and the occasional unwary traveler. They have two heads with semi-independent personalities, often arguing over what to eat or where to sleep. They are solitary, with mating pairs forming briefly to produce single offspring before separating. They live forty years on average. Their dwellings are filthy with bones and refuse, distinguishable by the stench from a mile away. Goblin tribes sometimes serve them as servants.
Behaviour
Ettins are violent, stupid, and bickering. The two heads have different names, preferences, and grudges, often arguing mid-fight. They never sleep fully; one head always watches, granting immunity to surprise. They take pride in their dual nature but hate being called twins. They communicate poorly with other species, reducing most diplomacy to threats. They love shiny things and hoard small trinkets, often arguing over distribution. Despite stupidity, they remember insults for years.
Origin
Ettins are believed to be the offspring of giants and orcs, twisted by curse or magical mishap during their conception. The two heads represent the dual lineage, neither fully integrated. Some myths claim they were created by Annam, the giants' father, as punishment for unfaithful giant-kings. Others argue they are simply mutated giant-kin, persisting in pockets where giants and orcs both dwell. Their stupidity is genetic; ettins cannot learn complex tasks regardless of teaching.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Ettin
- What is the challenge rating of Ettin?
- Ettin's challenge rating is 4. A party in this band suits an early or mid tier-1 group.
- What type of creature is Ettin?
- By creature type, Ettin is a giant, large size.
- Where does Ettin live?
- The bestiary places Ettin in Hill, Mountain, Underground.