Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Natural Histories

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Nature that has had a profound impact on human culture and society across history.

Nature that has got under our skin and profoundly impacted human culture and society across our history.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Natural Histories: Giant Squid

Giant Squid

BBC Radio 4 - Natural Histories, Giant Squid

Brett Westwood delves into the stories surrounding the elusive and beautiful giant squid.

Brett Westwood delves into the mysteries surrounding giant squid to ask why it's portrayed as a Kraken lurking in the deep when modern studies show a timid, misunderstood creature.

Brett Westwood tries to uncover the truth about the elusive giant squid. Is it the monster literature portrays lurking in the deep of the ocean or a timid misunderstood creature?

Tennyson evokes the deep, slumbering Kraken as a monster lurking in the cold, dark depths of the ocean.  Twenty Thousand Leagues brings that monster into focus as it tries to drag a ship underwater and devour the terrified crew. Where did these stories come from? The Odyssey was the first known piece of literature to suggest a tentacled beast of the sea and it has never left our imagination. Yet when a giant squid was filmed by Japanese scientists, and then one was fished out of the ocean near the Falklands, we saw that giant squid are extraordinary, rather beautiful creatures.

Far from being a terrifying monster they peck delicately at their food and are afraid of loud noises. For a monster they are remarkably timid. With recent discoveries and increasing knowledge have we vanquished the monster from the deep? Or will our need for monsters mean we create another, even stranger beast?  Or perhaps now that our sea-faring days exploring the unknown oceans are over, will our monsters come from outer space, the last frontier? Will we always need a monster to scare us?  Many academics say yes - if you want to know what a society is frightened of, look at its monsters.

Originally broadcast in a longer form 23 June 2015
Original producer Sarah Pitt 

Archive producer Andrew Dawes for BBC Audio in Bristol

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Natural Histories

Giant Squid

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4