What type of creature was the Kraken historically believed to be?

The Kraken is historically believed to be a giant squid. This creature is often depicted in folklore and maritime legends as a formidable sea monster capable of dragging ships and sailors into the depths of the ocean. The depiction of the Kraken has evolved over time, and while it draws from real accounts of giant squids, its mythological representation emphasizes its enormous size and the terror it instills in sailors.

In contrast, while some other choices like the giant octopus may share similarities with the Kraken due to their cephalopod nature, the specific association of the Kraken with the giant squid is more aligned with historical descriptions and artistic representations throughout history, especially in the context of 18th and 19th-century literature. The characteristics attributed to the Kraken align well with those of the giant squid, particularly concerning proportions and oceanic behavior.