The Kraken, a mythical sea monster of giant size, has become intricately linked with the city of Seattle ever since the announcement in 2020 that Seattle would be getting a new NHL expansion team called the Seattle Kraken. But why was a mythical sea creature chosen to represent a major American city located hundreds of miles from the open ocean? Here we’ll explore the origins of the Kraken myth, its connections to Seattle history and culture, and how the Kraken became the perfect mascot for the Emerald City’s newest sports franchise.
The Origins of the Kraken Myth
The Kraken is a legendary sea monster that has been part of maritime folklore for centuries. The origins of the Kraken myth can be traced back to Norse mythology and tales of a creature so huge that sailors mistook it for an island. The Kraken was said to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland, where it would attack ships and fishermen. These early stories described the Kraken as a giant octopus or squid-like creature that could stretch its arms around a whole ship and pull it down into the depths. The Kraken was greatly feared by Vikings and Norse sailors, becoming a symbol of the dangers and mysteries lurking in the open ocean.
The Kraken myth endured well into the 18th and 19th centuries. As European sailors explored more of the globe, tales of the Kraken attacking ships spread throughout the Age of Sail. Writers and artists during this period began depicting the Kraken as a monstrous beast with huge tentacles that could crush ships and devour entire crews. The Kraken took on new life in popular culture, appearing in poems, novels, and sea shanties as a fearsome predator of the deep. The continued prevalence of the myth was likely due to the fact that ships and sailors would occasionally vanish at sea under mysterious circumstances–disappearances which were often blamed on attacks by the Kraken and other mythical sea monsters. This cemented the Kraken’s reputation as a deadly threat to seafarers.
The Kraken and Seattle Origins
So how did this mythical creature become associated with a city in the Pacific Northwest when the Kraken myth emerged from the frigid waters of Northern Europe? To understand the connection, we have to look at the origins of Seattle itself.
Seattle was founded in the mid-19th century and quickly became a major seaport due to its location on Puget Sound and access to the Pacific Ocean. Fishing, shipping, boatbuilding, and maritime trade were the lifeblood of early Seattle. The ocean and its resources played a vital role in the city’s early growth and prosperity. As a port city, Seattle also attracted many Scandinavian immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Drawn to the natural beauty and maritime nature that reminded them of their native lands, Scandinavian immigrants left an indelible mark on the culture of Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound region.
It was these Scandinavian immigrants who brought myths and legends like the Kraken with them across the ocean. As they settled and worked in Seattle, they shared their stories of mysterious sea monsters lurking in the depths of the Puget Sound. Rather than shrinking away from these dangers, Seattleites embraced figures like the Kraken as symbols of the mysteries of the ocean which their livelihoods depended on. Tales of giant “Krakens” inhabiting the Pacific Northwest surfaced in local folklore, forging a strong cultural link between Seattle and this mythical sea creature.
The Kraken as a Symbol of Seattle
The Kraken’s popularity and prevalence in Seattle culture continued to grow throughout the 20th century. Local artists and writers incorporated the Kraken into their work, depicting scenes of the creature terrorizing Puget Sound. Bookstores and gift shops began selling Kraken-themed souvenirs and tchotchkes. The Kraken was also adopted as the mascot for events like the Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade. By the early 2000s, the Kraken had become established as a quintessential symbol of Seattle.
There are several key reasons why the Kraken myth resonated so strongly with Seattleites:
- The Kraken embodied Seattle’s maritime heritage and connection to the ocean
- Its mysterious nature and fierce reputation matched Seattle’s rugged, adventurous spirit
- It was brought over by Scandinavian settlers, reflecting the city’s Nordic roots
- The Kraken was distinctly “weird” – perfectly suiting Seattle’s offbeat, quirky culture
- It was an unconventional icon that set Seattle apart from other cities
The Kraken became a sort of mascot for the city, much like Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest or the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland. By adopting the Kraken myth, Seattle forged a bond to its seafaring origins and made the creature an emblem of local identity.
The Seattle Kraken NHL Team
The Kraken solidified its status as Seattle’s foremost mythical icon when the city’s new NHL expansion franchise announced in 2020 that its team name would be the Seattle Kraken. Choosing the Kraken for a major league sports team showed a brilliant understanding of Seattle culture and identity. It linked the team directly to the city’s history and traditions in an original way that fans could rally around.
The Kraken name paid homage to the sea and Seattle’s maritime roots. It also connected to the Scandinavian immigrants who brought the myth to the Pacific Northwest. And as an unconventional, fierce creature, the Kraken encapsulated the uniqueness and tenacity of Seattle. For these reasons, Seattleites enthusiastically embraced the Kraken as their new hockey team’s name and mascot.
The Kraken’s iconic S-shaped logo featuring a menacing red eye is everywhere in Seattle now – on t-shirts, banners, billboards, and advertisements. The team’s branding leans heavily into the nautical theme, with their venue dubbed “Climate Pledge Arena” to evoke an icy seascape where a Kraken could lurk. By wholly adopting the Kraken as their identity, the hockey franchise cemented its status as a quintessential Seattle institution. The Kraken name authentically reflects the soul and character of the Emerald City.
The Kraken Cometh: Seattle Anticipates NHL Arrival
Ever since the Kraken name, logo, and colors were revealed in 2020, excitement has been building throughout Seattle in anticipation of the team’s inaugural season. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the Kraken’s entry into the NHL by a year, but they are now poised to take the ice for the 2021-22 season.
Around town, you can spot countless fans already decked out in Kraken hats, shirts, and hoodies featuring the team’s distinctive logo. Seattleites are eager to cheer on their new hockey team and watch the Kraken legend come to life on the ice. Local sports bars have been abuzz with speculation about the team’s squad, coaching staff, and chances of success in their debut NHL campaign. Expectations are high for the Kraken to make an immediate splash in the league.
The team has fueled excitement by releasing their inaugural season ticket packages and team merchandise to an enthusiastic public response. The Kraken are on track to sell out every home game this season at Climate Pledge Arena. They have already shattered franchise records for merchandise sales as fans seek to snatch up anything emblazoned with the Kraken name and logo.
For Seattleites, the arrival of the Kraken represents more than just a new sports team – it’s the realization of a myth that has been part of local culture for more than a century. No other NHL franchise can claim an identity so intrinsically rooted to its home city. When the Kraken take the ice this October, they will carry the spirit and history of Seattle with them.
The Legacy of the Seattle Kraken
While the Seattle Kraken have yet to play their first NHL game, their cultural impact is undeniable. Choosing the Kraken moniker has already proven to be a masterstroke in forging a strong bond between the team and the city.
For decades to come, the Kraken name, logo, and mystique will stir up pride in Seattleites. The team seems destined to become iconic symbols of the Emerald City on par with the Space Needle or Pike Place Market. Parents will pass down their love of the Kraken to future generations of young Seattleites.
The Kraken give locals another vivd way to celebrate the spirit and heritage of their unique city. Their mythology adds character and flair to Seattle in a way not seen in other NHL markets. No matter how the team fares on the ice, the Kraken identity will stand the test of time.
The Kraken story illustrates the power of mythology, folklore, and sports to unify communities and create cultural touchstones. By embracing the mystery and wonder of the Kraken myth, Seattle has discovered a powerful new rallying symbol for its residents. For all these reasons, the question “What does a Kraken have to do with Seattle?” can be answered simply – everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Kraken originate?
The Kraken originated in Norse mythology and folklore dating back to medieval times. Stories of a giant sea monster called the Kraken emerged out of Viking culture in ancient Scandinavia. The myth endured for centuries in Northern European maritime communities.
When did the Kraken become associated with Seattle culture?
The Kraken became linked to Seattle starting in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Scandinavian immigrants brought tales of the Kraken with them to Puget Sound. Over time, the Kraken was embraced as a symbol of Seattle’s seafaring origins and connection to the ocean.
How did the Seattle Kraken NHL team choose its name?
The Kraken name was selected in 2020 after an extensive research process on the part of NHL Seattle leadership. They wanted a name that represented Seattle’s deep maritime history and unique culture. The Kraken emerged as a perfect fit due to its roots in regional folklore.
What are some key facts about the Seattle Kraken?
- They are one of the NHL’s newest expansion franchises, entering the league for the 2021-22 season
- The Kraken play at Climate Pledge Arena in downtown Seattle
- Their logo features a red “S” shaped like a tentacle
- Their mascot is a giant plush Kraken named Buoy
- They are Seattle’s first major pro hockey team since the 1920s
How can I learn more about the Kraken myth and its Seattle ties?
The Seattle Kraken team website has great background information on the mythology behind the name. Seattle’s Nordic Heritage Museum also explores the Scandinavian immigrant experience and folklore. Books like “Puget Sound Whales For Sale: The Fight to Save Puget Sound” by Sandra Pollard connect the Kraken to local history.
Conclusion
The Kraken has been a mythical creature rooted in the Seattle psyche for over a century. Its conception as a legendary sea monster in Scandinavian lore transformed it into an iconic symbol of the Emerald City’s culture. The announcement that Seattle’s new NHL team would take the Kraken moniker cemented its status as a beloved emblem of the region. The Seattle Kraken reflect the maritime spirit, tenacity, and uniqueness of Seattle. Their eventual on-ice success seems almost secondary to the cultural impact they have already made. Through the Kraken identity, Seattle has found a powerful connection to its past, present, and future.