Kraken
- For many centuries, seafarers and explorers have feared monsters that live deep under the sea. One of the most terrifying of these monsters is theKraken.
- Some people believed that there was more than one kraken.
- Many also believed that the creatures were real, including scientists and zoologists. They were included in a number of pieces of scientific literature during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Physical characteristics
The Kraken is a giant octopus or squid. It is said to be so large that it is capable of wrapping its tentacles around ships and crushing or sinking them.
There are no exact estimates on how big it is. Descriptions range from ‘bigger than a ship’, to ‘the size of several ships’, to over a mile long.
The legend of this sea monster comes from the Old Norse culture. The Norse, who are also commonly referred to asVikings, were a civilization that lived in and explored Scandinavia around the 9th and 10th centuries. Their civilization was heavily dependent on seafaring and sailing. They would often raid and plunder coastal villages.
Because of this heavy dependence on sailing, they likely witnessed a number of things that would have led them to the idea of the Kraken. Giant whirlpools referred to asmaelstrom, are common in Scandinavia, and were once thought to be related to the movements of the creature. Tentacles or pieces of tentacles from giant squid would have washed onto shore periodically. And without advanced technology, it would have been difficult to tell if a large shadow underwater was that of a whale, a school of fish or something far more sinister.
The first appearance of the Kraken in literature occurred around 1250 AD, in a work titledKonungs skuggsjá, which translates to “King’s Mirror”. It was written by an unknown author who had traveled to Greenland, and was writing about the climate, nature and wildlife there. The work is far more scientific than mythological in tone, but Since then, there have been a number of pieces of literature that have ‘documented’ the existence
powers and abilities
Size and strength: The kraken is often described as being enormous and incredibly powerful, capable of causing massive waves and dragging ships underwater. Its sheer size and strength make it a formidable opponent.
Tentacles: The kraken is typically depicted as having multiple long, powerful tentacles that it can use to crush and ensnare its prey. It can use its tentacles to wrap around ships, dragging them to the ocean depths.
Invisibility: Some legends suggest that the kraken can become invisible, allowing it to surprise and ambush its prey.
Control over the sea: The kraken is said to have control over the sea and its creatures, able to summon waves and storms to aid it in its attacks.
Healing abilities: In some legends, the kraken’s ink is said to have healing properties, capable of curing diseases or injuries.
Interesting Facts
- “Release the Kraken” has become a popular saying in culture. It comes from the movie “Clash of the Titans”, released in 2010.
- One famous appearance of the creature occurs in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”.
Mythical Meats Original Flavor Kraken
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