“ | Far, far below the depths of Tartarus, lay the Nameless Things. They are older than names and identity. They are older than Hell. They were present before the spark of creation was first lit to bring forth the universe. Even Lucifer knows them not. I've walked there, but I can't bring myself to tell you what I've seen. For what is above and beyond the Abyss is more preferable than the unspeakable horror of these things. | „ |
~ Edward Grey |
The Nameless Things were ancient eldritch creatures that dwell within the depths of the Abyss. Their relation to the Ogdru Hem and their parents is unknown.
Description[]
They were described by Edward Grey as older than words, older than names, and older than possibly even time itself. As such their actual origin is unknown and to call them "ancient" would be an understatement. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as older than the universe as we know it, they must have some connection to the Old Ones. However, even Lucifer did not known about them at the time showing that they predated even the archangels.
While they have no discernable appearance, Edward Grey explains to Hellboy during his confinement in Hell that one's perception of the Nameless Things warps in accordance to what they perceive as something so alien and eldritch it defies imagination. In this case, Hellboy saw them as something akin to jellyfish and cephalopods.
Overview[]
The Nameless Things have had few and minor appearances, some were seen lurking in the inky dark background of the Abyss when the Prime Evils first congregated. They are regarded as invasive species by the denizens of Hell and thus employ extermination movements against the Nameless Ones. Among the most efficient and prominent is Artorias, a Knight of Hell, who has gained the title of Abysswalker for having traversed the edges of the Abyss and slays these Nameless Things, preventing them from reaching Hell.
During Hellboy's descent into Hell, he wandered beyond the borders of the Inferno and entered the Abyss. In there, he met the Nameless Things but they seemingly paid no mind to him. It was not until Hellboy's Right Hand of Doom lit up that the Nameless Things were alerted and immediately attacked the cambion who narrowly escaped with his life. When he met with Sir Edward Grey, he explained to the cambion of the Nameless Things and that ever since Artorias' passing and the failing power structure of Hell it was slowly becoming increasingly difficult to cull the rise of the Nameless Things.