The Kraken

Author: Alfred Lord Tennyson

Below the thunders of the upper deep,
Far far beneath in the abysmal sea,
His ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep
The Kraken sleepeth: faintest sunlights flee
About his shadowy sides: above him swell
Huge sponges of millennial growth and height;
And far away into the sickly light,
From many a wondrous grot and secret cell
Unnumbered and enormous polypi
Winnow with giant fins the slumbering green.
There hath he lain for ages and will lie
Battering upon huge seaworms in his sleep,
Until the latter fire shall heat the deep;
Then once by men and angels to be seen,
In roaring he shall rise and on the surface die.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a rich tapestry of deep-sea mythology and grandeur, using the image of the Kraken as a metaphor for the unknown and the unimaginable. The poet's tone is one of awe and respect for the hidden depths of the ocean, where the beast sleeps in "ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep," undisturbed by the human world above.

The poem's structure is carefully balanced, with the first half detailing the undersea world of the Kraken, and the second half imagining his eventual, apocalyptic rise. The imagery is vivid and atmospheric, conjuring a realm of "wondrous grot and secret cell," "huge sponges of millennial growth," and "enormous polypi". The poet uses these details to create a sense of otherworldly beauty and dread. The use of words like 'faintest', 'shadowy', 'sickly' and 'slumbering' add to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere.

The poem also uses a number of literary devices to enhance its impact. Foreshadowing, for instance, is used to hint at the Kraken's eventual awakening, "until the latter fire shall heat the deep". There's also a touch of dramatic irony in the final line, when the monstrous Kraken is finally seen by men and angels only to die on the surface, bringing the narrative full circle. This ending is both powerful and poignant, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life, even for such a formidable creature.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.