Did Ancient People Really Use Monitor Lizards for Theft and Wall Climbing?

From myths and folklore, we often hear stories of ancient cultures employing unique methods for achieving their goals. One such tale suggests that monitor lizards, particularly the Asian water monitor, were used by people to climb walls and commit theft. However, the practicality and historical evidence behind this claim are questionable. This article aims to explore the feasibility of such a practice and debunk or support this myth.

Understanding the Myths and Lore

Myths and folklore frequently attribute extraordinary abilities to animals, often stemming from symbolic or allegorical representations. In the context of using monitor lizards for climbing walls and committing theft, these stories may depict a more fantastical world where such abilities are common. However, when we investigate the practical aspects, it becomes clear why such a claim is highly improbable.

The Challenges of Training and Utilizing Monitor Lizards

Monitor lizards, especially the Asian water monitor, are known for their strength and agility. They can grow up to 45 pounds, which is far lighter than the average person weighing between 180 and 200 pounds. Even the smaller species, which can weigh as little as 10 pounds, would struggle with the physical demands of carrying a human being.

Several factors make it impossible for monitor lizards to be used in such a manner:

Training Challenges: Wild monitor lizards are not trainable. They act according to their interests, such as searching for food, mating, or laying eggs. Training a monitor lizard to follow specific instructions would be highly challenging and impractical. Speed and Agility: Monitor lizards are relatively slow-moving. The Asian water monitor can achieve only about 3 miles per hour. Climbing walls would require much more speed and agility, which these lizards lack. It would take hours or even a half-day to climb a wall, making it a challenging and impractical method for any purpose. Weight Capacity: Even with a top weight capacity, a monitor lizard wouldn't be able to carry a human. A 20-kilogram (approximately 44-pound) monitor lizard would struggle with a 70 to 120-kilogram (154 to 264-pound) human, let alone a person with full fighting gear and protective armor, which would weigh even more.

Symbolic and Allegorical Usage in Ancient Stories

Many ancient stories and myths use animals symbolically, depicting them as metaphors for human traits and behaviors. These tales often carry deeper meanings and allegorical significance, rather than literal instructions on animal behavior.

For example, tales of using monitor lizards for wall climbing and theft might represent the clever and daring actions of humans. Instead of relying on literal lizards, these stories illustrate human ingenuity and resourcefulness. Such tales serve to entertain and educate, often conveying moral or philosophical messages about human behavior and societal norms.

Conclusion

While the idea of using monitor lizards for wall climbing and theft is an exciting concept often found in myths and folklore, historical and practical evidence suggest that such usage was highly improbable. Ancient people might have employed clever and resourceful methods, often symbolically depicted in stories, to achieve their goals.

The next time you hear a tale of monitor lizards being used for such purposes, remember that while these stories are engaging and imaginative, they more likely represent the human spirit of innovation, resourcefulness, and storytelling rather than historical fact.