Nordic Myth Turns Pop Culture Icon

Described in the Icelandic Sagas as lurking off the coasts of Norway and Greenland, the giant, ship-devouring Kraken has recently re-emerged as a darling of popular culture. Sightings of the mythical tentacled beast are everywhere!

• On ice: The Seattle Kraken are a new NHL hockey team for the 2021 – 2022 season. Their logo is a sea blue ‘S’ with a menacing red eye.

• At the pub: Kraken Rum was launched in the UK in 2010. Contrary to urban legend, giant squid ink is not among its rich, spicy ingredients.

• At the (virtual) bank: Do you have some bitcoin to trade or exchange? Kraken.com is a cryptocurrency exchange based out of San Francisco.

• On screen: Starring as Davy Jones’ deadly pet in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, the Kraken continues its reign of watery terror with appearances in several Disney video games and theme park attractions.

As you can see, the Kraken is making quite a stir in popular culture today! Where will it pop up next?Learn more Nordic myths and legends here: https://www.sofn.com/blog/mythical-creatures-of-scandinavia/

World’s Longest Undersea Power Cable is Now Operational

The world’s longest undersea electricity cable between Norway and the U.K. is now operational. The interconnector, known as the North Sea Link, was a joint venture between British company National Grid and Norwegian power operator Statnett. The cable spans 450 miles and connects Kvilldal in Norway with Blyth in Northumberland. At full capacity, 1.4 million homes can be supplied by hydro-power. National Grid Ventures president Cordi O’Hara said it was a “remarkable feat of engineering…we had to go through mountains, fjords and across the North Sea.”

This project will help the U.K. reduce about 23 million tons of carbon emissions by 2030. It is truly beneficial for both parties as extra renewable power will be exported to Norway when wind generation is high in the U.K. but energy demand is low. This will help Norway conserve water in their reservoirs. All in all, this venture is “a great example of two countries working together to maximize renewable energy resources for mutual benefit.”