What is the Seattle Kraken’s mascot and why did they choose it?
The Seattle Kraken’s mascot is a sea troll who goes by the name Buoy.
According to local lore, Buoy is the nephew of the Fremont Troll, a statue of a troll that lurks under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle.
Though the team is called the Kraken, Buoy is not one.
A kraken is a mythical sea monster that looks something like a giant octopus or squid and lurks off the coast of Norway.
However, according to some tales, the kraken could very well be the leviathan, a sea monster that is mentioned in the Bible and other ancient stories.
While Buoy, the mascot, is not a kraken, he seems to have had a run-in with one as a mysterious tentacle hangs from one of his ears.
Buoy also sports an anchor earring that matches the shoulder patch on the hockey team’s jerseys.
In addition, Buoy has flat blue “hockey hair” that matches the Kraken’s team colors.1
Watch Out for Trolls
Just as trolls are not as scary as the kraken, Buoy is not as intimidating as the Kraken’s players. Nevertheless, according to folklore, one should have their guard up when it comes to trolls.
Mischievous at best, dangerous at worst, trolls are not to be trifled with. Dwelling in forests, mountains, caves, and under bridges, trolls are generally not hospitable to humans.
According to some legends, trolls can shapeshift into other creatures. In other tales, they abduct people, only to return them in an altered state.2 Other times, they collect tolls or forbid people to pass.
The origins of troll legends are impossible to decipher. Some believe the stories hearken as far back as 5,400 years ago when humans and Neanderthals coexisted.3 But no one knows for sure…
Buoy, the Kraken’s mascot, is a 21st century troll, however. He lives under Climate Pledge Arena, eats shark and maple leaves, and listens to grunge.4
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