What was the name of the rat king? - briefly
The monarch of the rodents was called «Rat King». He appears in folklore as a tangled mass of rats bound together.
What was the name of the rat king? - in detail
The rat king documented in the early 19th century bears the designation «Hamburg Rat King». It was discovered in 1828 within the cellar of a Hamburg residence and later transferred to the Natural History Museum of Hamburg, where it remains on display.
Key characteristics of the specimen:
- Composition: 32 Rattus norvegicus individuals bound together by intertwined tails, fur, and debris.
- Preservation: Fixed in formaldehyde and encased in a glass case to prevent further deterioration.
- Documentation: First described by naturalist Johann Wilhelm Meigen in a report to the Royal Society of Natural History of Hamburg.
- Cultural impact: Frequently cited in zoological literature as the most complete and well‑preserved example of the phenomenon, influencing both scientific discussion and folklore.
The name «Hamburg Rat King» has become the standard reference in academic texts, museum catalogs, and historical accounts of the phenomenon.