Grues

Grues are fictional predators originating in Infocom’s early text adventure games, most notably the Zork series. They are depicted as predatory creatures that hide in darkness and prey on adventurers who cannot see them. The creature first appeared in Zork I, released around 1980, and has since become a recognizable symbol of unseen danger in interactive fiction. In the common presentation, a grue is invisible in unlit spaces; players only learn of danger when navigating in the dark or when the game issues a warning that you are likely to be eaten by a grue.

In terms of game mechanics, the grue’s defining feature is its dependence on light. If the player is in a dark area without a light source, the risk of encountering a grue increases, creating tension and encouraging the use of torches, lanterns, or careful navigation. The exact behavior and presence of grues can vary between Zork installments and other Infocom titles, but the core idea remains: darkness hides a lethal threat that disrupts exploration.

Culturally, the grue has had a lasting impact beyond the games themselves. It is often cited as an archetype of unseen danger in text-based environments and is referenced in discussions of game design, narrative atmosphere, and how players manage uncertainty. The iconic warning associated with the creature—typically quoted as a line about being eaten by a grue—has entered gaming lore and is frequently invoked in analyses of early interactive fiction.

Overall, the grue is regarded as a milestone in the history of video games for illustrating how atmosphere and risk can be conveyed through text and narrative cues rather than graphics.