History of Kraken in Timeline

The kraken is a legendary sea monster, possibly inspired by sightings of giant squid in the Norwegian Sea. The legends describe it as an enormous cephalopod-like creature inhabiting the waters off the coast of Norway. While considered a mythical being, the kraken's origins are likely rooted in real-world encounters with colossal marine life.

1917: Kraken translation in English

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

1920: Finnur Jónsson favors identifying the Kraken as an inkfish

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

1920: Finnur Jónsson expresses skepticism towards the Kraken's origin

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

1920: Finnur Jónsson explains the name horven

In 1920, Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson explained that the name horven was an alternative form of harv, which means 'harrow'. He conjectured that this name was suggested by the inkfish's action of seeming to plough the sea.

1920: Finnur Jónsson remarks on the name origin of Kraken

In 1920, Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson suggested that the name Kraken likely originated from the word for 'crooked tree' or 'drag', referencing the appearance of a cephalopod. He also noted 'krabbe' as a synonym for kraken.