Kraken are legendary sea creatures of collossal size, said to have dwelled off the coasts of Norway and Iceland. The sheer size and fearsome appearance attributed to the beasts have made them common ocean-dwelling monsters in various fictional works. 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. Kraken is the definite article form of krake, a Scandinavian word describing an unhealthy animal, or something twisted. In modern German, Krake means octopus, but can also refer to the legendary Kraken.