Rats have been a part of human society for centuries. While they are often viewed as pests, they have also played a significant role in various cultures and have even achieved fame in some instances. From fictional characters to real-life heroes, rats have made their mark in history!
One of the most famous rats in literature is none other than Remy from the movie Ratatouille.
The Pixar film tells the story of a rat who dreams of becoming a chef and eventually achieves his goal with the help of a young kitchen worker.
Remy’s character has become an icon in popular culture, inspiring many to follow their dreams no matter how unconventional they may seem.
Another rat that has gained fame is Magawa, a landmine detection rat who was awarded a gold medal for his bravery and service.
Magawa is part of a group of rats trained by the Belgian non-profit organization APOPO to detect landmines in countries such as Cambodia and Angola. These rats have saved countless lives by identifying and clearing landmines from affected areas.
Rats in History
Rats have played a significant role in human history, both positively and negatively. Here are some notable moments in history where rats made their mark:
Black Death
In the 14th century, rats were blamed for spreading the bubonic plague that killed millions of people in Europe. This has definitely been the biggest contributor to rats’ reputation today.
It’s believed that the fleas on rats were carriers of the disease, and their presence in cities and towns helped the disease spread rapidly.
Medicine
Rats have been used extensively in medical research, particularly in the development of vaccines and treatments for diseases. Their genetic makeup is similar enough to humans that they can be used to study human diseases and test potential treatments.
War
Rats have been used in war as a means of psychological warfare. During World War II, the British dropped rats attached to small parachutes over German cities to create panic and fear among the population.
Despite their negative reputation, rats have also played a positive role in history. They were domesticated in China over 2,000 years ago and were bred for their meat, fur, and as pets.
Rats were also used as a symbol of good luck in ancient Rome and were considered sacred animals in some cultures.
Overall, rats have had a significant impact on human history, both for better and for worse.
Famous Rats in Literature
Rats have played a significant role in literature, often portrayed as cunning and intelligent creatures. Here are some of the most famous rats in literature:
Rat from “The Wind in the Willows”
Rat is one of the main characters in this classic children’s book by Kenneth Grahame. He is a kind and adventurous rat who becomes friends with Mole and takes him on many exciting adventures.
Roscuro from “The Tale of Despereaux”
Roscuro is a rat who longs for a world beyond the darkness of the dungeon where he lives. He is a complex character who ultimately helps the hero, Despereaux, save the day.
Templeton from “Charlotte’s Web”
Templeton is a greedy and selfish rat who is only interested in his own survival. He is eventually convinced to help Wilbur the pig by Charlotte the spider, but only after she promises to give him food in return.
These rats, and many others in literature, have captured the imagination of readers young and old. Whether they are heroes or villains, they remind us that rats are more than just pests – they are complex creatures with their own stories to tell.
Famous Rats in Film and TV
Throughout the years, rats have made their way onto the big and small screens, often playing pivotal roles in the storylines. Here are a few of the most famous rats in film and TV:
Ratatouille
This 2007 Pixar film follows the story of Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking who dreams of becoming a chef. With the help of a human friend, Linguini, Remy sets out to achieve his culinary dreams.
The Secret of NIMH
This 1982 animated film tells the story of a field mouse named Mrs. Brisby who seeks the help of a group of intelligent rats to save her family from a farmer’s plow. The leader of the rats, Nicodemus, is a wise and mystical character who helps Mrs. Brisby on her quest.
The Nutcracker
In the classic ballet, the Nutcracker Prince is transformed from a toy into a human-sized rat. The Rat King, his nemesis, is a menacing character who battles the Nutcracker Prince in a dramatic showdown.
While rats may not always be seen as the most glamorous creatures by most people, (obviously we think they’re glamorous), their roles in film and TV have helped to bring attention to their intelligence and unique abilities.
Nigel Ratburn
Nigel Charles Ratburn is Arthur’s teacher at Lakewood Elementary, in the classic childrens’ TV show Arthur.
Famous Rats in Science
Rats have been used in scientific research for over a century. Their intelligence, adaptability, and social nature make them ideal for studying behavior, physiology, and disease. Here are some of the most famous rats in science:
Templeton
This rat was the star of the movie “Charlotte’s Web.” Templeton was voiced by comedian Steve Buscemi and was known for his sarcastic comments and love of junk food.
Rosie and Rocky
These two rats were trained to detect landmines in Mozambique. They were able to sniff out the explosives with 100% accuracy, making them valuable tools in the fight against landmine injuries and deaths.
Rattus Norvegicus
This is the scientific name for the common laboratory rat. These rats have been used in countless studies on topics such as cancer, genetics, and psychology.
They are intelligent, easy to care for, and reproduce quickly, making them ideal for research.
While rats are often associated with disease and filth, they have played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge.
By studying these animals, researchers have been able to make breakthroughs in medicine, psychology, and many other fields.
Famous Rats in Pop Culture
Throughout history, rats have been both revered and reviled in popular culture. While some may see them as pests, others have found inspiration in these clever and adaptable creatures. Here are some of the most famous rats in pop culture:
Ratatouille
The titular character in this beloved Pixar film is a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef. With his keen sense of smell and taste, Remy helps a hapless cook create culinary masterpieces.
Templeton
In E.B. White’s classic children’s book “Charlotte’s Web,” Templeton is a gluttonous rat who befriends the spider Charlotte. Despite his gruff exterior, Templeton proves to be a loyal friend to the other animals on the farm.
In addition to these fictional rats, there are also many famous rats in real life. One of the most well-known is Pizza Rat, a rat who was caught on camera dragging a slice of pizza down the stairs of a New York City subway station. The video went viral and spawned countless memes and parodies.
Another famous rat is Magawa, a giant African pouched rat who was trained to detect landmines in Cambodia. Magawa is credited with saving countless lives by sniffing out explosives that could have otherwise caused harm to humans.
Overall, rats have played a significant role in pop culture throughout the years. Whether they are portrayed as heroes or villains, these intelligent and resourceful creatures continue to capture our imaginations.