The term “Kraken” has surged from the depths of Scandinavian folklore into the modern lexicon, recently becoming entangled with the narrative surrounding the 2020 US presidential election. But what exactly is a Kraken? Historically, it’s a legendary sea monster of immense size and terrifying power. In recent times, however, “Kraken” has taken on a new, albeit less tangible, form as a symbol within online discussions, particularly concerning claims of widespread election fraud. This article delves into the dual nature of the Kraken, exploring its mythical origins and its contemporary resurgence as a meme in the digital age.
The Mythological Kraken: A Sea Monster of Legend
Originating in Scandinavian folklore, the Kraken is depicted as a colossal, octopus-like creature said to dwell in the deepest parts of the ocean. Tales of the Kraken have been passed down through generations of sailors and coastal communities, painting a picture of a monster capable of capsizing ships and dragging men to watery graves.
Descriptions of the Kraken vary, but common threads run through the legends. It’s often portrayed as having enormous tentacles, capable of ensnaring even the largest vessels. Its size is so vast that it was sometimes mistaken for islands when it surfaced. Stories emphasized its terrifying nature, making it a formidable and feared entity in maritime lore. The legend of the Kraken reflects humanity’s historical fear and respect for the immense and mysterious power of the ocean.
From Myth to Meme: The “Kraken” in US Politics
In a surprising twist, the mythical Kraken resurfaced in late 2020, not as a sea monster, but as a metaphor within the context of the US presidential election. The term was adopted by groups and individuals supporting claims of widespread voter fraud, promoted under the hashtag #ReleaseTheKraken. This online movement gained momentum as part of efforts to challenge the election results.
At the heart of this resurgence was lawyer Sidney Powell, who, at the time, was associated with Donald Trump’s legal team. Powell declared that she was “releasing the Kraken,” implying she possessed overwhelming evidence that would overturn the election results and demonstrate widespread fraud that favored Democrat Joe Biden. This metaphorical “Kraken” represented a promised unveiling of supposed irrefutable proof.
Sidney Powell and the “Release the Kraken” Movement
Sidney Powell, once a member of Donald Trump’s legal team and later acting independently, became a central figure in promoting the “Kraken” narrative. She asserted that the election was rigged due to “communist money” and foreign interference. The “Kraken,” in her rhetoric, symbolized the legal case she was building, which she claimed would dismantle the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s victory.
However, when the promised “Kraken” documents were released – nearly 200 pages in total – they largely contained already debunked conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated allegations. Claims within these documents, such as accusations involving Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and manipulated voting machines, lacked credible evidence and had previously been dismissed in courts. Despite the lack of substance, the “Release the Kraken” meme and the associated claims gained traction, particularly within certain online communities.
The QAnon Connection
The “Kraken” meme and Sidney Powell’s pronouncements resonated strongly with followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory. QAnon adherents believe in a “deep state” cabal secretly battled by President Trump. For them, the “Kraken” became intertwined with their narrative, representing a hidden truth about election fraud that would ultimately vindicate their beliefs and ensure Trump’s continued presidency.
Powell’s engagement with QAnon-related online platforms and figures further solidified her connection to this movement. Her association with Michael Flynn, President Trump’s former national security advisor and another prominent figure within QAnon circles, also strengthened her position among these groups. Despite denials from both Powell and Flynn regarding involvement with QAnon, the “Kraken” meme became firmly embedded within their rhetoric and the broader QAnon narrative.
The Spread of the “Kraken” Meme on Social Media
The “Kraken” meme rapidly spread across social media platforms, mirroring the polarized landscape of US politics. Supporters of Donald Trump and QAnon amplified the term, convinced that Powell’s documents provided genuine evidence of election fraud. Conversely, critics mocked the unsubstantiated nature of the claims and the often-poor spelling and lack of factual basis within the “Kraken” documents.
Social media analytics revealed significant engagement with the “Kraken” meme. On Twitter, references to “Kraken” surged, demonstrating the rapid dissemination of the term. Facebook also saw widespread interactions involving the word, indicating the meme’s broad reach across different online platforms and its role in fueling discussions around election integrity.
Debunking the “Kraken” Claims: Fact vs. Fiction
The documents associated with the “Kraken” largely comprised inaccurate and previously fact-checked claims regarding election fraud. A central focus of these claims involved Dominion voting machines, alleging that the software was manipulated to switch votes and was compromised by foreign actors.
Sidney Powell asserted that Dominion software, used in states like Michigan and Georgia, facilitated “computerized ballot-stuffing” and was accessed by foreign agents to manipulate election results. These claims, however, lacked any credible evidence. Investigations and audits, including a hand recount of ballots in Georgia, consistently affirmed the accuracy of the election results and Joe Biden’s victory.
Election officials and cybersecurity experts refuted the allegations of widespread voter fraud and foreign interference. An issue identified in one Michigan county was attributed to human error and not to any malfunction or manipulation of Dominion software. Dominion Voting Systems themselves vehemently denied any compromise of their machines. Computer scientist Dan Wallach, an advisor on voting machine guidelines, emphasized that modern voting machines with paper ballot backups would make large-scale computerized ballot stuffing easily detectable.
Legal experts also dismissed the “Kraken” lawsuits, citing the lack of convincing evidence and reliance on unsubstantiated assertions. The reliance on an anonymous “Dominion whistleblower” whose identity was concealed from the court further weakened the credibility of the legal challenges.
Conclusion
The “Kraken,” therefore, exists in two distinct realms: as a terrifying monster of myth and legend, and as a symbol within a contemporary online narrative. While the mythological Kraken embodies ancient fears of the unknown ocean depths, the “Kraken” meme became a rallying cry for unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in the US. Despite the fervor surrounding the “Release the Kraken” movement, investigations, expert opinions, and legal scrutiny have consistently debunked the associated claims. The modern “Kraken,” unlike its mythical counterpart, ultimately proved to be more of a phantom than a formidable force, revealing the power of online narratives and the spread of misinformation in the digital age.
