The Kraken is a colossal legendary sea monster said to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland. In 2012, scientists discovered a giant squid that corresponded to the physical description of the Kraken, using deep sea exploration with special lighting displays designed to attract large predators.
The sheer size and fearsome appearance attributed to the Kraken have made it a common ocean-dwelling monster in various fictional works.
The Kraken is also one of the largest (if not the largest) cryptid that may have ever existed, and is one of the few creatures in the Massive category.
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History[]
The 13th Century old Icelandic Örvar-Odds saga tells of two massive sea-monsters called Hafgufa ("sea mist") and Lyngbakr ("heather-back"). The Hafgufa is believed to be a reference to the Kraken. Whales are the biggest animals in the world, but the Hafgufa is the greatest monster occurring in the water. It is its nature that it swallows men, ships, whales and everything it can reach. It is submerged both by day and night, and when it lifts its head and nose above the surface, it stays there at least until the turn of the tide.
Explanations[]
It is possible that the Kraken could have been early sightings of a colossal squid. "Kraken dung" has been found on the shores by Vikings but it has been proven to be amber. The legend may actually have originated from sightings of real giant squid that are variously estimated to grow to 13-30+ m (43-100+ ft) in length, including the tentacles. These creatures normally live at great depths, but have been sighted at the surface and have reportedly attacked ships.
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