Monopod (creature)
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Monopods (also skiapods, skiapodes, Monocoli) are dwarfs or dwarf-like creatures with a single, large foot extending from one thick leg centered in the middle of their body. The name Sciapodes is derived from σκιαποδες - 'shadow foots' in Greek, monocoli from μονοκωλοι - 'one legged' in Greek.
These were first described by Pliny in Naturalis Historia. Pliny describes how travellers have reported their encounters or sights of Monopods, and he records their stories.
Pliny the Elder remarks that they are first mentioned by Ctesias who places them in India. Pliny describes them as thus (Natural History 7:2):
- He [Ctesias] speaks also of another race of men, who are known as Monocoli, who have only one leg, but are able to leap with surprising agility. The same people are also called Sciapodae, because they are in the habit of lying on their backs, during the time of the extreme heat, and protect themselves from the sun by the shade of their feet.
The legend of the Monopod survived into the Middle Ages. Isidore of Seville mentions this strange creature in his Etymologiae.
C.S. Lewis revived the tale of monopods in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
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[edit] Naturalis Historia
From the account of Pliny, monopods have one large foot in a shape that somewhat resembles a small boat or canoe, so instead of walking, they would hop from one location to another, landing with a huge thud. Another notable characteristic of the monopods was their method of sleeping. Instead of lying on their side, they would put their foot straight into the air and lie on their back. Thus the foot became a giant umbrella that could protect them from sun and rain.
[edit] The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
According to the story, the Duffers, along with a magician, Coriakin, inhabited a small island near the edge of the world of Narnia in the middle of the ocean. They were discovered by the people of the Dawn Treader after landing on the island to rest. The travellers gave the Duffers oars and instruct them to jump on the water as lightly as possible and row themselves about on their single, large foot. Before leaving, the name Monopods is given to them, however, the unintelligent Duffers soon mixed up the name, saying " 'Moneypuds, Pomonods, Poddymons.' " Eventually, they settled with the name Dufflepuds.
[edit] Skiapods in Baudolino
Umberto Eco in his novel Baudolino describes a sciapod named Gavagai. The name of the creature "Gavagai" is a reference to Quines example of indeterminacy of translation.
[edit] Basis of Myth
It is possible that the myth derived from a misinterpretation of the practice of Indian yogis (sadhu) who sometimes meditate on one foot. It can also be connected to the disease of tropical elephantiasis.
[edit] Other
Sciapod is also part of the Monster in My Pocket series.
There is a South American legend of a monopod lady nicknamed 'La Patasola'.
