Truth be told, the Kraken has joined the Mountain Gorilla on the list of creatures that are no longer Cryptids, but rather are now proven to exist. There is even a recent article floating around claiming that one had been videoed in the sea (rather than on shore washed up and dead) under the sea ice.
That said, we shall not abandon the ancient sea monster. Being a former sailor, I hold a special place in my heart for the Kraken and other sea monsters. Even knowing that most of the tales were created to explain freak storms (the real threat at sea) and poor seamanship that resulted in lost ships and men does not change the fact that the imagery and stories around them is great food for the mind.
Here are the details of the legend as told by the internet.
The Kraken
Common Names:
- Kraken (general)
- Hafgufa (Norse mythology)
- Leviathan (often conflated in various myths)
Known Origin and Basic Lore:
- Mythological Roots: Originates from Scandinavian folklore, particularly Norse mythology. The kraken is depicted as a gigantic sea monster that dwells off the coasts of Norway and Greenland.
- Basic Lore: Described as a creature capable of creating whirlpools to drag ships and sailors to their doom. Often seen as both a fearsome beast and a symbol of the untamed power of the sea.
Significant Sightings:
- Historical Reports:
- 12th century: Norwegian naturalist Erik Pontoppidan described the kraken in his works, claiming it was capable of dragging entire ships underwater.
- 18th century: Bishop Pontoppidan’s accounts detailed fishermen’s stories of the kraken pulling vessels down with its massive tentacles.
- Modern era: Occasional reports from sailors and fishermen, though often attributed to large squids or other marine life.
Physical Description:
- Size: Vastly enormous, often described as being the size of a small island.
- Shape: Resembles a giant octopus or squid, with numerous tentacles extending from a central body.
- Coloration: Typically depicted as dark, often black or dark green, blending into the deep sea.
Behaviors:
- Aggressive Tendencies: Known for attacking ships, either pulling them down with its tentacles or creating massive whirlpools.
- Elusiveness: Rarely seen, often described as residing in the deep sea, surfacing only to attack or feed.
- Feeding Habits: Presumed to feed on large sea creatures, possibly whales, and occasionally ships.
Abilities:
- Tentacles: Enormous strength capable of dragging ships underwater.
- Whirlpool Creation: Generates massive whirlpools to engulf ships.
- Camouflage: Blends into the deep ocean, making it difficult to spot.
Preferred Habitat:
- Deep Ocean: Typically described as residing in the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean, particularly off the coasts of Norway and Greenland.
- Remote Waters: Often associated with unexplored and dangerous parts of the ocean.
Range of Sightings:
- Geographical Range: Primarily the North Atlantic, especially near Scandinavian countries, but reports have also emerged from other deep-sea regions around the world.
- Temporal Range: Sightings and stories date back to ancient times and continue sporadically into the modern era.
Likelihood of Existence Based on Similar Species:
- Comparative Analysis: While the kraken itself is mythological, its characteristics bear similarities to real-life giant squids and colossal squids, which can grow to impressive sizes.
- Scientific Perspective: Marine biologists acknowledge the existence of large cephalopods that could have inspired kraken legends. The largest recorded giant squids reach lengths of up to 43 feet.
- Conclusion: While the kraken as described in folklore is likely a myth, its legends are potentially rooted in encounters with extraordinarily large marine animals, which are rare but real.
