The Kraken, a legendary sea monster resembling a giant squid or octopus, hails from the waters between Norway and Iceland. This mythical creature's immense size and fearsome reputation might have stemmed from actual encounters with giant squid, known to reach lengths of 12-15 meters.
1917: Translation of "hafgufa" as "kraken"
In 1917, an English translator of the King's Mirror chose to translate the term "hafgufa" as "kraken."
1920: Finnur Jónsson's skepticism towards kraken's origin from "hafgufa"
In 1920, Finnur Jónsson, having established his view that the kraken was likely an inkfish, expressed his skepticism about the prevailing notion that the kraken originated from the "hafgufa."
1920: Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson's proposition
In 1920, Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson suggested that the term "kraken," signifying a multi-armed sea monster or octopus, originated from the meaning "crooked tree." He posited that tree trunks with crooked branches or outgrowths, along with drags (wooden or otherwise), evoke the image of a cephalopod, making it a fitting descriptive name.
1920: Finnur Jónsson's explanation of "horven"
In 1920, Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson, while discussing the various names for the kraken, explained that "horven" ("the horv"), an early alternative name for the monster, was an alternative form of "harv" meaning "harrow." He suggested that this name arose from the inkfish's action of seemingly "plowing" the sea.
1920: Finnur Jónsson's support for kraken as an inkfish
In 1920, echoing his earlier assertion, Finnur Jónsson reiterated his belief that the kraken likely represented an inkfish (squid/octopus) based on etymological evidence.
1953: John Wyndham's "The Kraken Wakes"
In 1953, John Wyndham published his novel "The Kraken Wakes," featuring the mythical creature.
1981: Release of "Clash of the Titans"
The 1981 film "Clash of the Titans" featured a kraken.
2006: Kraken's appearance in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"
The kraken was featured in the 2006 film "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" as the pet of Davy Jones.
2010: Release of "Clash of the Titans" remake
The 2010 remake of "Clash of the Titans" also featured a kraken.