Mysteries of the Sea: The Kraken

While “Release the Kraken” May Have Become a Familiar Meme for the Modern World, to the Ancients, It Was Something Far More Frightening…

For centuries humans across the world have been fascinated by cryptids. From the mythical Yeti and Bigfoot to water-based creatures such as the Loch Ness Monster, these legendary creatures often have their origins in genuine science and amongst some of the true fantastical beasts hidden across our planet. However, one creature may eclipse all other cryptids in its legend and its ferocity — the Kraken. From tales of folklore recanted by old sailors to the epics of cinema, the Kraken has developed a fearsome reputation as perhaps the most deadly danger on all the seven seas.

The origins of the Kraken are Norse, with the sagas telling of how the creature lurks in the waters around Norway and Greenland. The monster harassed shipping in the area and was noted for its immense size, possibly being one of the largest cryptids ever conceived in folklore. Described as octopus or squid-like, the creature’s traditional horrific image tells of it attacking ships with its arms or swimming around them to create a whirlpool effect, pulling all aboard to a watery grave. As if this wasn’t enough to strike fear into even the hardiest of sailors, the Kraken…