Kraken+-+Gregoire

The Kraken



 Origins: The Kraken is not actually a greek or roman mythological creature. It most likely started as a legend among sailors in the north Atlantic (Norway mostly) to describe the giant squid. In 1752, the Bishop of Bergen described the kraken in his //Natural Guide to Norway//as a “Floating Island” over a mile and a half wide. There were at least three instances in the 1930’s where the giant squids would get their tentacles wrapped up in the propellers of boats, mistaking them for whales. ( [] )

Appearance: The Kraken is an extremely large creature that is most commonly compared to what we know today as the Giant Squid. However, in the [|1981 film]1980’s movie //Clash of the Titans,// the creature appears almost like a massive mermaid with multiple pairs of arms, and a scaly green skin. In the more recent [|2010 remake] of // Clash of the Titans //, The Kraken seems to go back to its more squid-like roots, having multiple tentacles, and a massive head with a mouth full of teeth.

Mythological References: The only mythological reference to the sea monster that may be considered “The Kraken” is in the [|story of Perseus]. Along his travels, Perseus stopped in the kingdom of Ethiopia. The Queen, Cassiopeia, claimed to be as beautiful as the sea nymphs. This brought down the wrath of Poseidon, which sent the sea serpent Cetus. The oracle of Ammon claimed there would be no relief until the King exposed his daughter Andromeda to Cetus. The King then tied Andromeda to a rock by the ocean. Perseus killed the sea serpent Cetus, and freed Andromeda.



Modern Day References:
 * Kraken rum
 * USS Kraken (US Submarine)
 * A rollercoaster at Sea World Orlando
 * A sea monster in Pirates of the Caribbean, and Clash of the Titans
 * A boss in the video game God of War

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