History of Kraken in Timeline

The Kraken is a legendary sea monster, possibly inspired by sightings of giant squid. Originating in the Norwegian Sea, the Kraken is described as an enormous cephalopod-like creature. Tales of the Kraken have persisted for centuries, making it a prominent figure in maritime folklore and popular culture. Its size and fearsome reputation have made it a symbol of the dangers lurking in the depths of the ocean.

1917: Hafgufa Translated as Kraken

In 1917, an English translator of the King's Mirror opted to translate hafgufa as kraken.

1920: Finnur Jónsson favors kraken as inkfish

In 1920, Finnur Jónsson favored identifying the kraken as an inkfish (squid/octopus) on etymological grounds.

1920: Finnur Jónsson's Skepticism

In 1920, Finnur Jónsson, having previously suggested that the kraken likely represented an inkfish (squid/octopus), expressed his skepticism towards the persistently accepted notion that the kraken originated from the hafgufa.

1920: Alternative Names for Kraken

In 1920, Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson explained that besides kraken, the monster went under a variety of names early on, the most common after kraken being horven ("the horv"). He explained this name as an alternative form of harv (lit. 'harrow') and conjectured that this name was suggested by the inkfish's action of seeming to plough the sea.

1920: Kraken Named Figuratively

In 1920, Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson notably remarked that the name Kraken is assumed to have been named figuratively after the meaning "crooked tree" or its derivate meaning "drag".