The monstrosity of Grendel and his mother have long held the interest of Beowulf-scholars. Examining the bodily attributes of both figures in order to detect inter-textual patterns of diction, this article focuses on depictions of the monsters' skin, hands and blood. In analysing these attributes, it becomes clear that the Beowulf-poet's chosen descriptors align the monstrous body with manmade objects in general and with weapons and armour in particular. This blurring of body and human artifa...