Unseen University Library

An orang-utan who refuses to go back because climbing shelves is useful.

The Librarian, transformed into an orang-utan by the magical tome Octavo in The Light Fantastic, serves as the head of the Unseen University Library. He refuses to be changed back because being an orang-utan allows him to climb high shelves. The wizards are so accustomed to his form that they would likely ask him if he had seen an orang-utan if one were reported. If his name were known, he could be turned back into a human; by The Last Continent, he has carefully excised his name from the university records. He is referred to only by his office, though Rincewind remembers his name and agrees not to tell anyone.

Quick Facts

Location: Unseen University, Ankh-Morpork

Lore & Background

The Librarian primarily uses the word 'Ook', inflected for simple affirmations and negations, though he occasionally uses 'Eeek' in moments of panic or rage. Most people seem able to understand him. He has a violent reaction to most people calling him a 'monkey', as he is technically an ape. The Discworld Companion hints and The Art of Discworld confirms that the Librarian was Dr Horace Worblehat, though his fears of turning back into a human are baseless at most.