Mythology:
In Icelandic mythology, Grýla is an ogre, troll, or giantess. She was initially mentioned as a giantess in the Prose Edda but wasn’t associated with Christmas until the 17th century.
In old poems, Grýla is described as an old beggar woman who went around towns and villages asking peasant farmers for their disobedient children. However, she could be easily driven away.
More recent folklore portrays Grýla as a fearsome figure who can smell disobedient children from miles away. Every December, around Christmastime, she leaves her cave to hunt for naughty children, whom she takes back to her cave and devours as her favorite meal. She even makes stew from them!
According to legend, Grýla has been married thrice and lives with her third husband, Leppalúði, her giant black cat, Jólakötturinn, and their thirteen sons, the Yule Lads1.
Appearance and Personality:
Grýla is depicted as an elderly Giantess with dark grey, messy dreadlocks in a bun. Her skin is black (brown), and she has a frost giant lineage.
She is the grandmother of Angrboda, another character in the game. Despite her cold demeanor, there are moments when she leaves food for Angrboda, showing a more complex side to her personality1.
In God of War: Ragnarök:
In the game, Grýla appears as a minor antagonist. Many years before the events of Ragnarök, she lived in Jötunheim with her son, his wife, and their daughter, Angrboda.
After her son’s refusal to challenge his fate and his subsequent death, Grýla became distant toward Angrboda, leaving her to fend for herself in the Ironwood.
Despite her tough exterior, Angrboda reflects that Grýla is not a monster; she’s lost
Certainly! Let’s delve into the details of the Gryla boss fight in God of War Ragnarok. Gryla is a formidable opponent encountered during the fifth chapter, The Lost Sanctuary. Here are some tips and strategies to help you defeat her:

Aim for the Glowing Cauldron:
Gryla’s cauldron becomes a vulnerable spot when it glows purple. Focus your attacks on shooting down the glowing rune to inflict heavy stun damage on Gryla and eventually knock her down.
Focus Down the Dropped Cauldron:
After filling up her stun meter, Gryla will drop her cauldron on the ground. During this state, the cauldron remains a weak spot for an extended period.
Deal as much damage to the cauldron as possible while it’s on the ground to quickly reduce Gryla’s health bar.
Weave Angrboda’s Attacks Between Shots:
Maximize your damage output by alternating between charged bow shots and Angrboda’s attacks while Gryla’s cauldron is vulnerable.
Angrboda can assist you during the fight, so make use of her abilities.
Use the Candles in the Arena:
There are purple candles scattered in the arena. Angrboda can explode these candles to stun Gryla and expose her glowing cauldron.
Lead Gryla toward the candles and detonate them once she gets close to create additional damage windows.