Gripe

History[]

Prior to Seabound[]

Gripe served as a Maaray Guard for his kingdom and eventually became Kalmaar's merservent.

After Kalmaar got mad at Trimaar for not letting him enter the Tartarus Trench, Gripe told him that he agreed with Trimaar about the trench being dangerous. When Kalmaar stated he needed someone to swim through the Tartarus Trench so he could get to the Temple of Wojira, Gripe thought that he meant himself and questioned it.^[1]

As Kalmaar's merservant, Gripe became part of his plan to reawake Wojira, thus betraying his king.

Five Thousand Fathoms Down[]

Gripe was with Kalmaar when the latter told Glutinous that he was tired of his failed attempts to awaken Wojira.

The Wrath of Kalmaar[]

While Kalmaar was threatening Nya with his trident, Gripe interrupted, startling Kalmaar and causing him to accidentally fire the weapon into the ceiling. Gripe informed Kalmaar that King Trimaar required his immediate presence at the Merlopian Palace, halting Kalmaar's interrogation to know where the Storm Amulet was. Accompanying Kalmaar to the throne room, Gripe stood by the doorway as Trimaar questioned Kalmaar about his alleged role in sinking the Hydro Bounty, a claim Kalmaar denied. Afterward, Gripe inquired about the consequences if Trimaar discovered Kalmaar's lies regarding the sunken ships. Kalmaar reassured him that no evidence would remain and sternly instructed Gripe to learn the location of the Island of the Keepers from Nya and Maya, with the intent to eliminate them afterward. Upon returning to the temple to carry out the orders, Gripe encountered Nya and Maya in the midst of their escape attempt. He ordered for an attack and fired an energy blast from his trident, which accidentally shattered one of their handcuffs, aiding their escape. Despite his orders to the guards to stop them, Nya and Maya fought their way past the Maaray Guards and managed to board their APS suits to escape. Gripe commanded Glutinous to release the Ripper Sharks, and when Glutinous hesitated, Gripe reminded him of the consequences they could face from Kalmaar if Nya and Maya escaped without revealing the island's location.

Long Live the King[]

After Nya and Maya's escape, Gripe rushed into the temple room, startling Kalmaar. He quickly informed Kalmaar of the situation, assuring him that the Ripper Sharks had been unleashed to track down the fugitives. However, Kalmaar angrily chastised Gripe for his foolishness, emphasizing the need to keep the captives alive to find the location of the Island of the Keepers. Just then, Glutinous interrupted with news that his sensors had detected the Hydro Bounty.

Following the ninja's trespass into Merlopia, they revealed Kalmaar's plans to awaken Wojira, shocking Trimaar, who ordered the Maaray Guards to bring Kalmaar and Gripe before him. Upon their arrival, Gripe witnessed Kalmaar defiantly reject his father's ideals and fatally strike the King with his trident. Kalmaar then framed the ninja for the attack, and Gripe complied, instructing the guards to prevent their escape. He proceeded to flood the Merlopian Palace and unleashed the Ripper Sharks into the corridors, believing this would ensure the ninja's demise. As Kalmaar returned to the throne room to seize power, Gripe startled him with the report that the ninja apparently had perished in the flood, referring to him as prince. When Kalmaar corrected him, declaring himself King, Gripe quickly rallied the Maaray Guards to chant in support of Kalmaar’s new reign.

Escape from Merlopia[]

Kalmaar was adjusting his trident when Gripe arrived to the throne room, startling him once more. Gripe informed Kalmaar that the Ripper Sharks had been released as instructed. However, when Kalmaar ordered Gripe to retrieve whatever was left of the ninja, Gripe hesitated, revealing that the sharks had failed to locate their targets and that the ninja had seemingly disappeared. Their discussion was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of some Maaray Guards, who had been sent by Benthomaar under the pretense that Kalmaar had requested them. This revelation led both Kalmaar and Gripe to realize that Benthomaar was aiding the ninja's escape. Upon reaching the hangar bay, Gripe and the Maaray Guards fired energy blasts at Lloyd's APS suit in an attempt to stop him while the ninja made their getaway with the Hydro Bounty. Despite the onslaught, Lloyd successfully escaped alongside the ninja. Soon after, Gripe joined Kalmaar and the Maaray Guards to pursue the fleeing ninja and Benthomaar, riding on manta rays. Gripe launched two torpedoes, which the ninja narrowly avoided, with one striking part of Merlopia and nearly killing two of its citizens. Kalmaar insisted that Gripe fire again, but Gripe hesitated, cautioning that they could inadvertently damage their own kingdom. Ignoring the warning, Kalmaar ordered the attack, compelling a reluctant Gripe to fire another torpedo that ultimately destroyed another section of Merlopia after the ninja evaded it. While Gripe and Kalmaar managed to avoid the resulting debris, it collapsed onto another guard and their manta ray, killing them. Nevertheless, Gripe and the remaining guards continued their pursuit. As more torpedoes were launched, the ninja countered with Wu Bots, redirecting the torpedoes towards them and causing explosions that led to a tunnel collapse, effectively ending the guards' chase.

The Storm Amulet[]

In the throne room, Gripe was with Kalmaar, who was sifting through sea scrolls for information when Glutinous burst in, excited about a significant find. He pointed to a location on a map that he believed could be the resting place of the Storm Amulet. Gripe examined the spot and quickly recognized it as the storm belt, expressing doubt there was nothing there. However, Kalmaar interrupted him, asserting that they had pinpointed the Island of the Keepers and commanding Gripe to ready the Maaray Guards for an expedition. Later, Gripe joined Kalmaar and a group of Maaray Guards as they successfully tracked the ninja to the beach of the Island of the Keepers. He stood by as Kalmaar confronted the ninja inside the Hydro Bounty, demanding the Storm Amulet. The ninja surrendered the amulet, but Kalmaar, aware it was a counterfeit, passed it to Gripe while revealing that he had overheard Nya mention the real Storm Amulet's location at the Explorer's Clubhouse. Gripe then witnessed Kalmaar destroy the sub's control room, leaving the heroes stranded as the Merlopians made their way to Ninjago City.

Papergirl[]

During the Merlopians' invasion on Ninjago City, Gripe commanded the Ninjago Police to surrender and perish in the name of Kalmaar. This left Jimmy and another officer confused since Gripe's message was contradictory.

Master of the Sea[]

Kalmaar, Gripe, and the other Merlopians walked through the docks at Ninjago Harbor, but Wu, Kai, Cole, Ray and Misako got in their way. Kalmaar ordered Gripe and the other Maaray Guards to attack them.

On the newly fixed Hydro Bounty, Gripe used his trident to shoot down Benthomaar. He then flees with Kalmaar back to Merlopia.

Assault on Ninjago City[]

During the Great Flood, Gripe led a group of Maaray Guards underwater to combat the ninja. When Benthomaar tried to warn them about Wojira's threat to Ninjago's balance, Gripe interrupted, falsely accusing Benthomaar of being corrupted by the ninja. Benthomaar attempted to explain to the Maaray Guards that Kalmaar was responsible for Trimaar's death. However, when a guard looked to Gripe for confirmation, Gripe shook his head, causing the guards to reject Benthomaar's pleas and intensify their attack. Gripe and his team managed to hold off the ninja until Cole arrived.

Nyad[]

Gripe continued to lead the Maaray Guards into battle while the ninja retreated, using the Destiny's Bounty on autopilot to evade the Merlopians. The guards were instructed to find the hiding ninja, and during their search at the Ninjago City Police Station, Gripe encountered the Police Commissioner. They discovered he was allied with the ninja, as evidenced by a photograph of him with them. Gripe reported this to Kalmaar, who ordered him to take him to the Commissioner right away. At dawn, they confronted the Commissioner and Jimmy. When the Commissioner introduced himself, Kalmaar, confused, asked what that meant, prompting Gripe to suggest that a "commissioner" might be a type of ruler. As Kalmaar pressed the Commissioner for the ninja's location under threat of death, Wojira sensed danger, leading Gripe and the Merlopians to investigate, only to find that the threat was a sea-merged Nya.

The Turn of the Tide[]

After Kalmaar seemingly killed Nya, Gripe and the Maaray Guards ambushed the ninja from behind, leading them into battle against the ninja and Benthomaar. Although Gripe and his guards managed to keep the ninja occupied, they were ultimately overpowered. Meanwhile, Benthomaar faced Kalmaar atop Wojira, where Kalmaar knocked him off. During this, Benthomaar shattered Kalmaar's trident with one of his arrows. While Benthomaar was down, Gripe attempted to strike him with his trident but was quickly repelled. The destruction of Kalmaar's trident freed Wojira from his control, leading the creature to swallow Kalmaar whole. With Wojira now targeting the ninja and the Merlopians, Gripe and his guards were forced to retreat.

Back to Merlopia![]

Because of being considered as a traitor to Merlopia by the other Merlopians, Gripe allied himself with some renegade Maaray Guards and planned to takeover Merlopia while King Benthomaar was away. When the ninja traveled to Merlopia to put a stop to Gripe's plan, he and the Maaray Soldiers battled the ninja until both sides reached Merlopia's throne room. After reaching the throne room, Gripe attempted to take control of all of Merlopia. But in the end, he was forced to surrender after being confronted by Kai and was sent to exile for his crimes.

Great Droids Think Alike[]

Not too long after his last encounter with the ninja, Gripe and three other Maaray Soldiers were spying on Zane, who was testing his new mech. Gripe and his soldiers had the idea to steal the mech and use it to reclaim Merlopia. Gripe and the others attacked Zane, who was driving his mech but Zane was able to defend himself, but accidentally ejected his unconscious body and had his consciousness stuck in the mech. Gripe and the others were able to steal Zane's body. Gripe and his soldiers tried to go back to the sea, but they were attacked by an upgraded mech that was controlled by Zane, luckily they were able to outrun him shortly before it came back with a giant shuriken. The mech destroyed Gripe's submarine and recovered Zane's body. Gripe and the Maaray Soldiers ran away shortly before Zane was able to connect his consciousness back to his body.

Personality[]

Gripe is very obedient and loyal to his master, Kalmaar. He is his merservant and commander of the army of the Maaray Guards, so he often gives orders and determines tasks. He also has a reasonable fear of Kalmaar, and prefers to hide from him that Nya and Maya have fled so that nothing will happen to him.

Gripe is also a little foolish, as he had the Ripper Sharks released on Nya and Maya, rather than catching them alive. He also once dropped an anchor on his foot instead of into the sea. He seems to be quite nervous in Kalmaar's presence, and whenever he accidentally interrupts him, he apologizes.

As the merservant of Kalmaar, he was somewhat corrupt as he was aware of Kalmaar's villainous actions and voluntarily helped him with them, even when Kalmaar killed his father. He was even willing to deceive his people when Benthomaar tried to convince them that Kalmaar had killed the king. However, he also seems to have a humane side, as he did not want to destroy his kingdom or endanger his fellow Merlopians by attacking the ninja.

Appearance[]

Like other Maaray Guards, Gripe is black in color and has an eel-like body with legs and light green eyes, teeth, gloves, body parts, and neck scales. He wears big golden armor with a shoulder pad on his right shoulder over a black vest with light green details.

Weapons[]

• Trident: Gripe owns a powerful trident that is able to shoot powerful electrical bolts capable of injuring someone.

Relationships[]

Kalmaar[]

As Kalmaar's right hand eel, Gripe is loyal to his king to a fault, regardless of how evil or corrupt Kalmaar's deeds may be. Gripe served as Kalmaar's second-in-command and closest confidant, plotting alongside his master in overthrowing Trimaar and did his best to carry out his master's will without hesitation or question. How much of Gripe's loyalty to Kalmaar stems from genuine loyalty or fear however, is unknown. At the very least, it would seem plausible that Gripe at least partially serves Kalmaar blindly out of fear, for he knew fully well the consequences that would befall him should he ever disappoint Kalmaar in spite of his otherwise undying loyalty. As such, Gripe always made sure to take necessary precautions to avoid any blowback from reaching him.

Ninja[]

Glutinous[]

Allies[] Kalmaar (deceased) Maaray Guards Wojira (formerly) Manta rays Ripper Sharks

Enemies[] Ninja Trimaar (deceased) Glutinous (former ally) Benthomaar Kai and Nya's family Wu Misako Ninjago Police

Appearances[]

Ninjago[]

Season 14: Seabound[]

• 168. "Five Thousand Fathoms Down" (no lines)
• 169. "The Wrath of Kalmaar"
• 170. "Long Live the King"
• 171. "Escape from Merlopia"
• 172. "The Tale of Benthomaar" (flashback)
• 173. "The Storm Amulet"
• 175. "Papergirl"
• 176. "Master of the Sea"
• 178. "Assault on Ninjago City"
• 179. "Nyad"
• 180. "The Turn of the Tide"

Ninjago Magazine[]

• 82. "In the Belly of the Whale"
• 84. "Here Comes the Flood!"
• 87. "Back to Merlopia!"
• 88. "Great Droids Think Alike"

Etymology[]

His name means "to complain about something in a persistent, irritating way", or "to grasp something tightly".

Behind the scenes[]

• Gripe is the only major character in Season 14: Seabound who was never released as a physical minifigure.
  • This is probably due to the fact that his minifigure would require a recolored head mold with a green color, while Glutinous, for example, which has a slightly smaller role in the season, did not need to recolor the head mold.

Trivia[]

• He has a smaller version of the shoulderpads on the Hero armor.
• A running gag within Seabound is Gripe startling Kalmaar, and him denying him being startled.
• He is the only Maaray Guard who is confirmed to know that Trimaar was killed by Kalmaar and not by the ninja.
• He is similar to Char, because they are both leaders of the respective armies with a different color scheme than the others of their kind, have the same head mold, similar body movements and are voiced by Brian Drummond.
• He is similar to the Wolf Boss from Kung Fu Panda 2, as both are commanders of respective armies of their species (Maaray Guards and the Wolves) and at the same time merservants of their lords (Kalmaar and Lord Shen) of their kingdom (Merlopia and China). Both also doubted the overly violent actions of their lords and wanted to protect their own people (Gripe did not agree to shoot at Merlopia while hunting the ninja and the Wolf Boss did not agree to shoot into the middle of the battle where his own people were). The notable difference, however, is that while Gripe never stood openly against his king, the Wolf Boss eventually stood against Lord Shen and was killed by him.
• Although Gripe first appears in the same scene as Kalmaar in "Five Thousand Fathoms Down," when Kalmaar begins to threaten Glutinous, Gripe is replaced by another Maaray Guard for the rest of the episode.^[2]

Gallery[]

Sticker[]

Concept art[]

In Ninjago[]

Cards[]

Translations[]

Language	Name
Chinese (Simplified)	格莱普
Japanese	グリーペ

References[]