Monsters of the deep have captured our imaginations and at times our nightmares. Whether one believes the stories told or not, they remain a part of the maritime lore as are the sailors and ships that carried them across uncharted seas. Perhaps the most infamous and dangerous monster was the Kraken. The myth of the Kraken comes from Scandinavia and describes the creature as being like a giant octopus. The legend may actually have originated from sightings of real giant squid that are estimated to grow to 13 meters (46 feet) in length, including the tentacles. These creatures normally live at great depths, but have been sighted at the surface and reportedly have "attacked" small ships. According to legends, the Kraken could easily consume a whole fishing fleet. It would circle a ship with its massive body and then drag it down into the ocean depths. The whirlpool that was created in the process would devour anything that the Kraken may have missed. When at rest the Kraken was often mistaken as a large floating island and sailors who tried to land on it soon paid a price for their terrible mistake. |
