Naturally, many creatures inhabit the seas and oceans and some dwell at extreme depths. The octopus is a marine mollusc of the family Octopodidae, while the Kraken is a sea monster, a myth that we will be discussing the difference between octopus vs Kraken.
The kraken is a legendary gigantic sea creature believed to have been seen in the waters between Norway and Iceland. Octopus is a soft-bodied mollusc that inhabits the seafloors.
The octopus looks similar to a squid, and the only sea creature generally known to be large in size (a bit comparable to the Kraken) is the giant squid found in the ocean.
What Is a Kraken?
The Kraken is a colossal legendary sea monster believed to attack ships and sailors. This sea monster is often portrayed as a gain squid or octopus.
The kraken is said to have been seen by sailors in the sea between Norway and Iceland. This sea monster was initially described in the modern era by Francesco Negri in 1700.
More stories about the Kraken began to surface years later. In 1734, Dano-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede described the sea monster in detail. Egede equated the Kraken with the hafgufa of medieval lore.
The initial description of the Kraken is credited to Pontoppidan. The Norwegian bishop was the first to describe the sea creature as a gigantic octopus. Pontoppidan described the Kraken as a creature that usually pulls down ships.
Others were also interested in investigating the existence of the sea monster. French malacologist Denys-Montfort during the 19th century is recognized for his inquiries into the existence of these gigantic octopuses.
The Kraken was depicted in French fictional novels as a creature of legend. It existed in novels as a sea creature of chaos that destroyed ships.
Also Read: Squid vs Octopus: Difference and Comparison
What Is an Octopus?
An octopus is a marine soft-bodied mollusc of the order Octopoda. Octopuses are Cephalopoda- having no internal or external protective shell or bone.
The soft-bodied mollusc is bilaterally symmetric with two eyes, eight limbs, and a beaked mouth at the centre of its limbs. Octopuses inhabit the seafloor, where they often camouflage to hunt prey and elude other predators in the sea.
With their soft body, octopuses can alter their shape to squeeze through tiny gaps. This marine mollusc trails its eight appendages behind when it roams the seafloor.
Octopuses naturally are known to have a complex nervous system. They have great sight and are considered to be one of the most intelligent invertebrates roaming the seafloor.
Kraken vs Octopus: Key Difference between Kraken and Octopus
The Kraken is a colossal legendary sea monster believed to attack ships and sailors. The stories surrounding the legendary sea monster are often described as a gigantic octopus terrorizing sailors and pulling down ships.
It’s said that the kraken appeared in the sea between Norway and Iceland. It had large tentacles, which were used for pulling down ships deep into the ocean.
On the other hand, the octopus is a marine mollusc that we all know what it looks like. Unlike the Kraken, the octopus does not exhibit aggressive behaviour towards humans.
The first description of the Kraken centuries ago stated that it appeared as a giant octopus or squid. The Kraken and the octopus both have tentacles but that of the former is described as being very large and can destroy ships in the ocean.
Octopuses use their tentacles for locomotion, while that of the Kraken is capable of immense destruction.
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Appearance
Although the Kraken and octopus may share some superficial similarities, their position in biology, culture, and lore differs. The Kraken is a mythological sea creature with destructive tentacles. It’s a creature that symbolizes ocean mystery and terror.
In contrast, the octopus is a soft-bodied eight-limbed invertebrate considered to be one of the most intelligent marine creatures roaming the ocean floor.
The Kraken is a legendary sea monster that has a terrifying story behind it. It’s a sea monster from maritime folklore feared by sailors who were said to have seen it.
The Kraken is depicted as a terrifying sea monster of enormous size, with huge tentacles of destruction. Today, the only sea creature we can think of that is a bit close to the Kraken in size is the giant squid often found at extreme depths.
Octopuses are not mythological sea creatures- they are real marine molluscs of the order Octopoda.
While Krakens are legendary sea monsters that symbolise sea mystery and terror, octopuses are marine molluscs studied by marine biologists.
Mythology
The Kraken is a sea monster initially described in the modern era by Francesco Negri in 1700.
More stories about the Kraken began to surface years later. In 1734, Dano-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede described the sea monster in detail. Egede equated the Kraken with the hafgufa of medieval lore.
The first description of the Kraken centuries ago stated that it appeared as a giant octopus or squid. It’s a creature of myth, something conjured by the human mind for storytelling.
Octopuses exist and they naturally inhabit various marine habitats, where they hunt prey and breed offspring.
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Kraken vs Octopus: Comparison Chart
| Kraken | Octopus | |
| Definition | The kraken is a colossal legendary sea monster believed to attack ships and sailors | An octopus is a marine soft-bodied mollusc of the order Octopoda. Octopuses are Cephalopoda- having no internal or external protective shell or bone |
| Size | Mainly depicted as a gigantic sea monster with large tentacles | Their sizes vary but the common octopus can reach a size 12 to 36 inches long and weigh up to 6.6 to 22 pounds |
| Origin | Mythical and folklore | Real marine animal |
| Behaviour | Often portrayed as being aggressive and destructive | Octopuses are not aggressive |
| Portrayal in culture | Feared sea monster of enormous size with large tentacles | Considered to be one of the most intelligent invertebrates roaming the seafloor |
| Role | The kraken is often depicted as a terrifying sea monster- terror of the seas in tales | A marine soft-bodied mollusc of the order Octopoda. Octopus is part of the marine ecosystem. |
| Usage | Generally used as the subject in literature and pop culture | A marine mollusc studied by marine biologists |
Kraken vs Octopus: How to Use Kraken and Octopus in a Sentence
Let’s look at a few examples of sentences with the terms “Kraken” and “octopus”.
Using Kraken in a Sentence
- Legend has it that the Kraken sunk many ships sailing across the North Atlantic Ocean
- Scholars and historians believed that sightings of the Kraken were just myths and nothing more
- The story described the Kraken’s tentacles to reach about 140 feet long
- The Kraken is depicted in many stories as a terrifying sea creature of enormous size
- According to legend, the Kraken’s tentacles were said to have crushed the hull of ships sailing across the Atlantic ocean
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Using Octopus in a Sentence
- The octopus is a mollusc known for its camouflaging abilities
- Octopuses inhabit the seafloor and they have a defence mechanism to release a cloud ink to elude predators
- The octopus is a popular delicacy served in many cultures
- Some species of octopuses can detach their limbs as a form of distraction when threatened by predators
Conclusion
The first description of the Kraken centuries ago stated that it appeared as a giant octopus or squid. The Kraken and the octopus both have tentacles but that of the former is described as being very large and can destroy ships in the ocean.
While Kraken are legendary sea monsters that symbolise sea mystery and terror, octopuses are marine molluscs studied by marine biologists.
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