Gryla

Gryla is an evil ogress and a witch in Icelandic folklore.

Description
Larger than a human being, Gryla is a repulsive, troll-like witch. She has hooves and between thirteen and fifteen tails. Various accounts of her appearance also include crooked nails, eyes in the back of her head or ears that droop below her ears. She uses her powers to detect disobedient children, which makes her a perfect bogeyman to inspire good behavior.

She lives in a cave under Dimmuborgir lavafields. Periodically during Christmas, she leaves her cave and visits nearby towns where she snatches children to a sack. Back in her cave she boils the children alive in a cauldron.

History
Earliest written mentions of Gryla are from 13th century Norse mythology, which makes Gryla a Jötunn giant. In such sagas there is no connection to Christmas time. She ate humans and she also had powers to incite terror. Her powers were strongest in the winter, and in a way she was the personification of winter and darkness.

It wasn't until later in the early 19th century when Gryla was associated with Christmas, and her family structure became unified.

Gryla has been married three times, and has 72 offspring in total. They are all pranksters of various level of severity. Some are drawn to murder, while others may suffice practical jokes that go too far.

Family
One of Gryla's husbands died of old age, and another was killed by her because she found him boring. Her current husband is called Leppaluthi, who is not prominent in the legend as he is rather lazy and prefers to stay in their home cave. Sometimes he helps Gryla to toss children into a sack.

The two have thirteen children called Yulemen, who are mischievous gnome-like creatures who spread mayhem during Christmas time.

The family also has a pet named Jólakötturinn, who is a monstrous cat who eats lazy people. Perhaps there is a reason why Jólakötturinn stays mostly outside of Gryla's and Leppaluthi's cave.