Kraken ( "krah ken" | IPA RP: /ˈkɹɑːkɛn/ | GA: /ˈkɹɑːkɛn/ |
AuE: /ˈkɹaːken/) are legendary sea monsters of gargantuan size,
said to have dwelled off the coasts of Norway and Iceland. The
sheer size and fearsome appearance attributed to the beasts have
made them common ocean-dwelling monsters in various fictional works
(see Kraken in popular culture). The legend may actually have
originated from sightings of real giant squid that are estimated to
grow to 13 metres (46 feet) in length, including the tentacles.
These creatures normally live at great depths, but have been
sighted at the surface and reportedly have "attacked" small
ships.
Kraken is the definite article form of krake, a Scandinavian word
designating an unhealthy animal, or something twisted.[1] In modern
German, Krake (plural: Kraken) means octopus, but can also refer to
the legendary Kraken (Terrell, 1999).
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