This storied monster was fi rst spotted in the early 1700s in the chilly Norwegian Sea. For centuries, Kraken frightened sailors with his size and presence. Measuring in at more than a mile long, he's said to resemble an octopus, squid or giant crab. So enormous is his body that it can be mistaken by passing vessels as an island or even the shoreline. Lying in wait at the depths of the sea, Kraken breaks the surface only to seek out food or to punish a large ship that has disturbed him-by dragging it down with him. For years, he was blamed for the emergence of new atolls as well as wicked currents, raging water and other forces of nature. Later, these phenomena were shown to have been caused by volcanic activity. Home: The sea Sex: Male Strengths: Gigantic size; trickery; destroying ships; dragging humans to the sea fl oor Weaknesses: Getting blamed for acts of nature Pop culture appearances: Major fi lm roles in " Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest " and " Clash of the Titans " KRAKEN