The kraken, from the Norwegian word for “crookie,” is a legendary sea monster of enormous size, believed to exist between Norway and Iceland. The legend may stem from sightings of giant squid, which can grow up to 10.5 meters (34 ft).
The creature was first described in the modern era by Francesco Negri in 1700 and later by Hans Egede in 1734. The Danish bishop Pontoppidan (1753) is often credited with the first detailed description, portraying the kraken as a massive octopus known for dragging ships under the sea.
In Norwegian folklore, the kraken is said to create underwater mounds that attract fish, causing fishermen to believe it lurks below. When it surfaces, it can resemble a collection of islands, with its tentacles rising like masts. Caution is advised, as the kraken can create a suction vortex when it sinks back down, potentially pulling down anything nearby.
