History of Kraken in Timeline

The Kraken is a legendary sea monster, often depicted as a giant cephalopod, said to inhabit the waters between Norway and Iceland. Its origins are often linked to sightings of real giant squids, which can reach impressive sizes of 12-15 meters. The creature has captured imaginations for generations.

1917: Kraken translated as hafgufa

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

1920: Finnur Jónsson on Kraken origin

In 1920, Finnur Jónsson expressed skepticism that the kraken originated from the hafgufa.

1920: Finnur Jónsson favored kraken as inkfish

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

1920: Origin of 'horven' as Kraken name

In 1920, Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson explained that the name "horven", another name for the Kraken, as an alternative form of harv (lit. 'harrow') and conjectured that this name was suggested by the inkfish's action of seeming to plow the sea.

1920: Kraken name origin

In 1920, Icelandic philologist Finnur Jónsson remarked that the name Kraken likely originated from the term "crooked tree" or "drag", due to the resemblance of crooked branches or drags to a cephalopod.