What does kraken mean?
A kraken is a legendary sea monster of enormous size, traditionally portrayed as living in the North Atlantic and capable of dragging ships beneath the surface. The word has become especially familiar through Scandinavian folklore and stories about dangerous unknown waters. In modern writing, “kraken” can also serve as a dramatic synonym for a giant squid, colossal squid, or another extraordinarily large cephalopod. Because the creature is associated with shipwrecks, hidden depths, and the difficulty of observing the open sea, it carries a strong atmosphere of danger and mystery. For that reason, writers also use the term metaphorically for a vast or formidable problem, organization, or force, though such figurative uses are more playful than literal. The kraken remains a vivid example of how folklore can preserve a traditional image of something remote, inaccessible, and potentially overwhelming.
A legendary gigantic sea monster, especially one believed to inhabit the North Atlantic and attack ships.
"The crew feared that the darkness below concealed a kraken."
The sense is chiefly associated with folklore, maritime history, and figurative writing.
A real or imagined giant cephalopod, especially a giant squid or colossal squid.
"The documentary described the animal as a modern kraken."
This is a modern extension of the older legendary sense and is often used for dramatic effect.
The plural is used when referring to multiple legendary sea monsters or giant cephalopods.
"Ancient sailors spoke of krakens lurking in unexplored waters."
The kraken was the ocean’s ultimate nightmare: a colossal creature said to be capable of dragging an entire ship into the depths.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kraken come from?
The word “kraken” entered English from Norwegian, where it referred to an enormous sea creature. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, although scholars have connected it with Old Norse words meaning a small fish or an object that crawls or creeps. The English form became established in accounts of Scandinavian sea monsters during the eighteenth century, helping shape the later legend of a creature capable of sinking ships.
How kraken is actually used
The word is chiefly literary, historical, or figurative. In contemporary discussion, it often describes a gigantic cephalopod, while its use for a legendary monster is especially associated with Scandinavian folklore and tales of seafaring.