What is a bitcoin whale & how does it work?

Could you please elaborate on the concept of a "bitcoin whale" and its workings in the cryptocurrency landscape? I'm curious to understand who these whales are, how they accumulate such large holdings of bitcoins, and what kind of influence they wield in the market. Do they actively trade to manipulate prices, or do they simply sit on their holdings, watching the market from afar? Additionally, how do they affect the overall liquidity and volatility of the bitcoin market? I'm interested in understanding the role these whales play in shaping the dynamics of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.