Should Atreus have killed Gryla in God of War Ragnarok

Below are Spoilers for God of War Ragnarok's story!

God of War Ragnarok is full of difficult boss fights, but one of the most strenuous (both strategically and emotionally) is the fight against Gryla. Gryla is the grandmother of Angrboda, and one of the last remaining Giants in Jotunheim. There seems to be a lot more to the story between these two characters than the player is let on to, but from what can be gathered, Gryla has a grudge against Angrboda's mother and blames her for her father's faithful following of destiny.

There comes the point in the story where Angrboda decides it is time to stop Gryla from stealing the souls of Ironwood's wildlife, something she has been doing for a long time. With Atreus' help, Angrboda confronts her grandmother and a fight ensues. When presented with the chance to kill Gryla, Atreus attempts to and is stopped. Atreus should not have attempted to kill Gryla, let alone followed through.

Should Angrboda forgive Gryla in God of War Ragnarok?

It is after the fight that Atreus has the opportunity to kill Gryla. He attempts to kill her before Angrboda stops him. Clearly, there is still optimism on Angrboda's part that her grandmother can be saved from her life of pain and anger. Angrboda tells Atreus that her grandmother still has a love for her and used to bring her food, a hint that she may not be entirely gone.

Related: How to get the Legendary chest at Jarnsmida Pitmines in God of War Ragnarok

If God of War Ragnarok's story teaches us anything, the choice to kill Gryla is not Atreus' to make. That choice belongs to Angrboda. Given Atreus' willingness to end Gryla's life before being stopped by Angrboda shows that he did not learn much from the conflict between Freya and Kratos. His actions weren't selfish, but based on past experience, he's lucky that fate was on Gryla's side because Angrboda would probably make a formidable enemy should Atreus have gotten on her bad side.

Interested in other helpful God of War Ragnarok guides and want to read more? Check out How to get the red chest behind the gate in the Lower Wildwoods in God of War Ragnarok on Pro Game Guides!