Kraken (Pirates of the Caribbean)

Concept art of the Kraken.

The Kraken is a major antagonist in The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, serving as one of the two secondary antagonists (alongside James Norrington) of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and a posthumous antagonist in its sequel At World's End. It is a giant squid commanded by Davy Jones to drag whomever crosses him into Davy Jones's locker.

Biography

Nothing is known about the origin of the Kraken, other than that it was likely the last of its species as hinted at by Barbossa. Jones had the ability to summon the Kraken by using a capstan hammer onboard his ship. The creature destroyed many ships for Jones, killing many sailors, whom Jones would then ask to join his crew, postponing the judgement of death.

Dead Man's Chest

The Kraken makes its appearance known when Jack Sparrow, who had previously made a debt with Jones to be captain of the Black Pearl for 13 years before serving in Jones's crew, throws his hat into the water. When it is picked up by a fishing ship, the Kraken drags the entire ship into the water. Though the Kraken is not seen during the attack, Will Turner later comes across a ship destroyed by the Kraken, with one of the crew mates face sucked completely off.

The Kraken first makes it's true full appearance when Will escapes the Flying Dutchman, and comes aboard a nearby ship. Jones uses the hammer to summon the creature, who takes the captain of the ship, and begins taking the other sailors. Ultimately, the Kraken crashes two of it's largest tentacles down on the ship, splitting it in half, before eating the sailors who fall into the center of the ship. Despite this, Will escapes, eventually reuniting with Jack and Elizabeth.

In the climax of the film, Jones sends the Kraken after the Black Pearl. When the creature starts bringing it's tentacles up, the crew shoots them with cannons. However, the creature returns to deal more damage. Though Jack initially attempts to escape, he returns and shoots a net full of barrels, yet again fending off the beast. However, Elizabeth, having realized that the beast is after Jack, chains him to the mast, and leaves. The Kraken then raised itself out of the water and roared at Jack, who instead of running away, charged the beast, who then dragged the pearl to Davy Jones's locker.

At World's End

After Lord Cutler Beckett stole Jone's literal heart and used him to control the seas, he made a show of force by making Jones kill the Kraken. The corpse of the creature is found on Black Sand Beach, where it is encountered by Jack, Barbossa, and the rest.

Gallery

The Kraken attacking Jack in the film's finale.