The word "Kraken" refers to a mythical sea creature that's believed to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland. Its spelling follows the English language's convention of using the letter "K" instead of "C" to represent the /k/ sound. The second syllable "ra" is pronounced with an unstressed schwa sound /ə/, while the final syllable "ken" uses the long "e" vowel sound /i:/ followed by the letter "n". Together, the word is phonetically transcribed as /ˈkrɑːkən/.
Kraken is a noun that refers to a legendary sea monster or giant octopus believed to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland. Described in Norse mythology, the Kraken is portrayed as an enormous, tentacled creature capable of capsizing or destroying ships. The name "Kraken" is derived from the Scandinavian word "krake," meaning an unhealthy animal or something twisted.
In folklore and popular culture, the Kraken is often depicted as a massive cephalopod-like creature with enormous, powerful tentacles that can reach up to several hundred feet in length. It is said to possess immense strength, capable of dragging ships underwater or causing tumultuous whirlpools that can be fatal to sailors. The creature is believed to dwell in the deep, dark depths of the ocean, rising to the surface only on rare occasions.
The Kraken has become a symbol of fear, mystery, and danger on the high seas, appearing in numerous literary works, films, and artwork. It has captured the human imagination for centuries and continues to be a prominent figure in popular culture. While its existence remains purely mythical, the Kraken's enduring presence in folklore has made it an iconic creature associated with the untamed and mysterious depths of the ocean.
The Norwegian for a fabulous water-animal of enormous bulk.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Kraken" has its origins in Scandinavian folklore, specifically Old Norse. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old Norse word "kraki", which means "an unhealthy animal" or "a twisted sea monster". In Scandinavian mythology, the Kraken was described as a giant sea creature, often portrayed as a colossal squid or octopus-like monster dwelling in the ocean depths, capable of causing devastating disasters at sea. The term "Kraken" has since become synonymous with enormous, legendary sea monsters.