Is the Kraken an Octopus or a Squid? Understanding Cephalopods and Their Myths

Unleashing the Kraken: Separating Myth from Monster Squid Fact

The Kraken. This name brings to mind images of giant tentacles and ships dragged under the sea. What is a Kraken? Is it merely a myth? Or is there some truth about it in the ocean’s depths? Let’s explore the legendary creature.

Kraken 101: Octopus or Squid? Know Your Cephalopods!

First, let’s clarify our sea creatures. Many confuse octopuses and squids. It’s understandable. Both are experts in camouflage and have suckers. However, key differences exist.

Octopuses are like chameleons. They have eight arms covered in suckers. They are typically more rounded. Squids are different. They are faster swimmers with a torpedo-like shape. Squids have ten limbs—eight arms and two long tentacles for catching prey.

Both creatures have ink sacs. If you find yourself facing one of these cephalopods, keep this in mind. Both can release ink to escape. It acts like a smoke bomb, allowing for a quick getaway.

From Norse Sagas to Sailor’s Tales: The Kraken’s Mythological Roots

The Kraken’s tale is connected to Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore. Think of Vikings, ocean voyages, and fierce storms. The Kraken is described as a massive sea monster, mainly a giant squid. Sailors, known for storytelling, exaggerated its size.

Some described it as a colossal fish with huge arms. Others called it an enormous cuttlefish. Descriptions varied, but a terrifying, ship-destroying creature was central to all accounts. You can almost hear the legends now.

Real-World Inspirations: Meet the Kraken’s Living Relatives

Now, is the Kraken real? The ship-destroying monster from legend? Probably not in that form. Yet, the myth may have roots in fact. Enter the giant squid (Architeuthis dux) and the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni).

These are no ordinary seafood. Giant squids can grow to huge lengths, while colossal squids tend to be bulkier. They possess swiveling hooks on their arms. These deep-sea giants inspire both awe and fear, much like Kraken stories. You might not see a Kraken sinking a galleon, but you may share the ocean with their enormous relatives. Fact can be stranger than fiction.

Kraken in Pop Culture: From Pirates to Puck Drops

The Kraken’s status is well-established in pop culture. It extends beyond ancient tales. Let’s look at some notable representations.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Davy Jones’s Pet

In Pirates of the Caribbean, the Kraken serves as Davy Jones’s pet. Imagine having a giant squid at your command! This Kraken is shown as an immense creature, capable of destroying ships effortlessly. Some say this Kraken could stretch across ten ships. Not a great day for sailors.

Check the Pirates of the Caribbean Wiki for more about this movie monster.

In a twist, the Kraken meets its end when Lord Cutler Beckett has Davy Jones eliminate it. A cruel outcome, even for a monster.

If you noticed Will Turner’s barnacles in later films, it hints at him neglecting his duties. Even immortal captains face performance reviews.

Clash of the Titans: Greek Gods and Giant Squids

The Kraken also appears in Greek mythology in Clash of the Titans. Zeus orders Poseidon to unleash it. Luckily for humanity, Perseus steps up. His plan? Medusa’s head! Petrifying the Kraken works as a solution to a giant squid problem.

Seattle Kraken: NHL Hockey with a Mythological Mascot

Moving to hockey. In the NHL, the Seattle Kraken emerged as an expansion team in 2021. Their name pays tribute both to the mythical sea monster and the real-life Giant Pacific octopus from Puget Sound. Local legends speak of a 600-pound octopus under Tacoma Narrows bridge. That’s quite the home advantage!

Kraken vs. The Heavyweights: Monster Matchups

Let’s indulge in some hypothetical matchups.

Kraken vs. Cthulhu: Tentacle Tussle

In a battle of titans, who would win? The Kraken or Cthulhu? The Kraken wreaks havoc on ships, but Cthulhu exists on another level of power—think cosmic horror. Tough luck, Kraken.

Kraken vs. Megalodon: Ancient Sea Kings Clash

A Kraken versus Megalodon battle? That sounds legendary! Picture the ancient predator against the mythical sea monster. Who would win? YouTube debates flow over this thrill. It’s a titan clash that sparks imagination.

Myth vs. Reality: The Kraken’s Enduring Legacy

In summary, the Kraken, as a ship-eating monster, belongs to legend. Yet, its myth holds roots in reality. Giant squids and colossal squids exist—they are impressive and real creatures that fuel the Kraken’s allure.

These deep-sea beings inspire both awe and fear, similar to their mythical counterpart. The Kraken may not be under your bed, but its relatives inhabit our oceans. This reality is captivating.

Cephalopod Confusion in Media: Ursula, Hank, and the Devilfish Debacle

Lastly, let’s clarify some cephalopod confusion in modern media. Not every tentacled character is a Kraken, or even an accurate octopus or squid.

Ursula: Squid-ish Sea Witch

Ursula from Disney’s The Little Mermaid is often seen as octopus-like. However, she is closer to a squid. Why? She has six arms instead of eight. Six arms make her more of a squid-witch than a true octopus. Yet, six arms are still intimidating.

Hank: The Septopus with a Soft Spot

Hank from Finding Dory is a true octopus, though a unique one. He is a “septopus”—an octopus with only seven tentacles, missing one. Despite this, Hank is an octopus at heart (or hearts, since they have three!).

Devilfish: Octopus by Any Other Name

Then there’s the “devilfish.” While it seems menacing, it’s often just another name for an octopus. In literature, when you read about a “devilfish,” it’s likely an octopus hiding in plain sight.

And there you have it! The Kraken unraveled (somewhat). It’s a creature of myth, legend, and real-world roots, forever mixing with our fascination for ocean depths and its creatures. Now, I suddenly crave calamari… just kidding (mostly!). For more fantastic discoveries about the deep sea, check out Boat Cove’s exploration of the Kraken or PBS Nature’s blog on Octopus Legends and Urban Myths.