The Kraken, a legendary sea monster, has long captivated human imagination and fueled maritime folklore. Often depicted as a creature of immense size, it has been a staple in tales of perilous ocean voyages. Its enduring presence in popular culture raises a question: Is there a scientific explanation behind this myth? This article explores the Kraken legend’s origins and the real-life marine animals that may have inspired such stories.
The Legend of the Kraken
The Kraken’s origins are rooted in Norse folklore and maritime traditions, with early accounts dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Early tales varied, but it evolved into a colossal, tentacled cephalopod. Its name, “kraken,” may derive from an Old Norse word for something twisted or curled.
Sailors’ accounts described the Kraken as a beast of vast size, capable of pulling down ships. Legends claimed its body was so vast it could be mistaken for an island, or its tentacles could reach over a mile. The creature was also said to create maelstroms or whirlpools by rapidly submerging, dragging vessels into the depths. These attributes reinforced the Kraken’s reputation as a threat and a symbol of the ocean’s power.
Giants of the Deep: The Real Squid
The giant squid (Architeuthis dux) and colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) likely inspired the Kraken myth. Both are deep-ocean cephalopods with distinct characteristics. The giant squid can reach significant lengths, with females growing up to 13 meters (43 feet) and males around 10 meters (33 feet). Their weight is comparatively less, with females reaching about 275 kg (606 lb).
In contrast, the colossal squid is considered the largest invertebrate by mass, weighing up to 495 kg (1,091 lb). Although shorter in total length, around 9 to 10 meters (30-33 feet), its mantle and body are more robust. A difference lies in their armaments: giant squid have suckers with serrated rings, while colossal squid possess unique swiveling hooks on their tentacles and arms, suggesting a more effective predatory capability.
Both species inhabit the deep ocean. Giant squid are found globally at depths ranging from about 300 to 1,000 meters (980 to 3,280 feet). Colossal squid are restricted to the cold, deep waters of the circumantarctic Southern Ocean, living at depths over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). Their large eyes, the colossal squid’s being the largest in the animal kingdom, aid in detecting prey in the dim deep-sea environment.
Scientific Encounters and Discoveries
Studying giant and colossal squid presents challenges due to their elusive nature and deep habitat. Early scientific understanding came from deceased specimens found ashore or in whale stomachs. The formal recognition of the giant squid, Architeuthis dux, occurred in 1857.
The first known photograph of a giant squid specimen was taken in 1873 in Newfoundland. Live footage was harder to capture; Japanese researchers first photographed a live giant squid in 2004 at about 900 meters (2,950 feet). The first video of a giant squid in its natural environment followed in 2012.
The colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, was identified in 1925 from whale stomach fragments. A complete specimen was recovered in 1981, and a live capture in 2007 provided a 495 kg (1,091 lb) specimen. The first live video footage of a juvenile colossal squid in its natural habitat was achieved in March 2025. These encounters highlight the difficulties in studying these deep-sea creatures.
Myth vs. Reality: The Enduring Allure
The Kraken of legend, a ship-sinking beast, is distinct from the real-life giant and colossal squid. Yet, the features of these deep-sea cephalopods likely fueled the ancient tales. Sailors encountering large, tentacled creatures or their remains, perhaps exaggerated by fear and ocean mystery, could easily have conceived of the Kraken. The real squid’s large size, strong limbs, and elusive deep-sea habitat provided a tangible basis for the mythical creature’s impressive characteristics.
The enduring allure of the Kraken myth lies in humanity’s fascination with the unknown and the vast ocean. Despite scientific discoveries revealing the actual animals, the Kraken persists in popular culture as a symbol of nature’s power and the mysteries beneath the waves. It reminds us that even with advancements in exploration, the deep sea continues to hold wonders, blurring the lines between folklore and science.