Red One Villains Explained: The Folklore of Grýla, Krampus, and Their Legendary Origins

The fearsome antagonists in Red One aren’t just cinematic creations—they’re steeped in centuries-old mythology. Jake Kasdan’s new holiday action film breathes fresh life into Santa-themed movies, starring Dwayne Johnson as a mercenary tasked with saving Santa Claus from the clutches of the villainous Grýla. The film’s mythical villains—Grýla and Krampus—take their cues from chilling folklore, adding depth and intrigue to the holiday romp.

Let’s delve into the lore that inspired these legendary baddies and see how Red One reimagines them for the screen.

What is Red One About?

In Red One, Grýla (played by Kiernan Shipka) launches a devious plan to destroy Christmas by kidnapping Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons). She imprisons him in a hidden vault while draining his magical powers. Dwayne Johnson’s Callum Drift, a battle-worn commando leading Santa’s E.L.F. (Enforcement Logistics and Fortification) security team, is tasked with rescuing Santa.

Disillusioned by Christmas’ deteriorating spirit, Callum reluctantly teams up with hacker-turned-bounty hunter Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). Together, they race to save Santa and Christmas itself, navigating a perilous path filled with mythical foes like Grýla and the infamous Krampus.

Grýla: The Terrifying Ogress of Icelandic Folklore

The Legend of Grýla

Grýla originates from Icelandic folklore as a nightmarish ogress who preys on naughty children. The towering witch, with multiple tails and a fearsome appetite, is said to spy on children year-round, waiting to kidnap the misbehaved during the harsh winter months. These unfortunate children are stuffed into her massive sack and cooked into a stew, which she savors through the rest of the year.

Grýla’s legacy also includes her troublesome offspring, the Yule Lads, a group of mischievous trolls who wreak havoc in Iceland during the Christmas season. While less malevolent than their mother, their antics—ranging from stealing food to slamming doors—add to the air of mischief surrounding Grýla’s myth.

Grýla in Red One

In Red One, Grýla appears as a deceptively youthful woman capable of shape-shifting into her ogre form. True to her legend, she commands the Yule Lads, who assist her in keeping Santa captive and siphoning his magic. Her plan involves using a stolen cloning device from Santa’s workshop to mass-produce enchanted snow globes capable of imprisoning the world’s naughty children. While sinister, her scheme is far less gruesome than the cannibalistic acts detailed in Icelandic folklore.

Grýla’s portrayal in the film adds a layer of complexity, mixing her folkloric roots with modern elements of fantasy and technology, making her both terrifying and oddly relatable.

Krampus: The Half-Goat, Half-Demon Punisher

The Origins of Krampus

Krampus is one of Christmas’ most enduring and macabre figures. Often depicted as the dark counterpart to St. Nicholas, this half-goat, half-demon creature traditionally punishes naughty children during the holiday season. According to German and Austrian folklore, Krampus accompanies St. Nicholas on December 5th, known as Krampusnacht, wielding birch sticks to swat misbehaving children. For the truly wicked, Krampus might drag them to his lair or even to the underworld.

Krampus’ origins trace back to pagan rituals linked to the winter solstice. His association with Christmas evolved as Christian traditions absorbed local pagan practices. Despite his fearsome reputation, Krampus also serves as a moral figure, using his punishments to guide children toward virtuous behavior.

Krampus in Red One

In Red One, Krampus (Kristofer Hivju) gets a compelling twist: he’s reimagined as Santa’s estranged adoptive brother. The film explores their fraught relationship, stemming from ideological differences about the spirit of Christmas. Initially presented as a potential ally to Grýla, Krampus ultimately surprises audiences by aiding the protagonists in the film’s climactic battle.

When Callum and Jack seek his help to save Santa, Krampus refuses to join their mission but shows mercy by allowing them to leave unharmed. However, in the final showdown, he turns the tide by defeating Grýla and trapping her in one of her own snow globes. This act of redemption allows Krampus and Santa to reconcile, proving that even the most fearsome figures can have a change of heart.

Mythology Meets Modern Cinema

Kasdan’s Red One successfully blends traditional folklore with contemporary storytelling. While Grýla and Krampus maintain their mythological roots, their cinematic portrayals incorporate fresh twists that make them more engaging for modern audiences.

The transformation of Krampus into a conflicted antihero with familial ties to Santa adds emotional depth to his character. Meanwhile, Grýla’s shift from a child-eating ogress to a tech-savvy antagonist offers a more fantastical take on her sinister legend. Together, they create a dynamic duo of holiday villains that challenge the protagonists in unexpected ways.

The Legacy of Christmas Villains

The inclusion of Grýla and Krampus in Red One highlights how folklore continues to inspire creative storytelling. These legends remind us that Christmas isn’t just about joy and celebration—it’s also about morality, redemption, and confronting the darker aspects of human nature. By weaving these ancient tales into a Hollywood blockbuster, Kasdan ensures that these chilling myths remain alive and relevant for generations to come.

Conclusion

Red One transforms age-old Christmas folklore into a thrilling cinematic adventure. With Grýla and Krampus at its core, the film breathes new life into these legendary villains while staying true to their mythological essence. As audiences gear up for the holidays, Red One offers a fresh perspective on the Christmas spirit—one that’s equal parts heartwarming and spine-chilling.

Source: Entertainment Weekly