History Main / EruditeOrangutan

-> ''I'm an ape. One of Chester V's most brilliant innovations: an orangutan with a human brain within my ape brain. Like a turducken.''

And then there is the orangutan of western Indonesia [[note]]There are three: the Bornean from...Borneo, and the Sumatran and Tapanuli from Sumatra[[/note]]. Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in the mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

* Forever from ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventureStardustCrusaders'' is an orangutan who gained human-level intelligence along with a Stand in the form of an entire ship that he controls with his mind. He solves a Rubik's Cube in two minutes and successfully pretends to be a normal animal to go beneath Team Joestar's notice. Forever is quite proud of his intelligence, and insulting it qualifies as his BerserkButton, so Jotaro exploits this to defeat the orangutan.

And then there is the orangutan of western Indonesia [[note]]There are three: the Bornean from...Borneo, and the Sumatran and Tapanuli from Sumatta[[/note]]. Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in the mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Gorillas are either [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]] or [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]], chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, and so are either [[IntelligentPrimate smart]], [[ManiacMonkeys scary]], [[MischiefMakingMonkey or]] [[SillySimian silly]]. Bonobos are usually lumped in with chimps in pop culture, but when they do appear, they're noted mainly for their [[ReallyGetsAround loose sexual behavior]] ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

And then there is the orangutan of western Indonesia [[note]]There are three: Sumatran, Bornean, and Tapanuli[[/note]]. Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in the mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

* The ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' episode "A Clockwork Origin" introduces Dr. Banjo, a hyper-intelligent orangutan who ironically believes in "Creaturism" a form of creationism, who debates with Professor Farnsworth about the origins of life and whether or not it came from evolution or creation by some higher power.

* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'': The Librarian of the Unseen University Library was turned into an orangutan in a mishap with a magical book. He actually prefers this to his human form, since long arms and prehensile feet are very useful for shelving books, and resists any attempt to turn him back. He's very intelligent to the point he can communicate just by looks, or by the single word "Ook" and occasionally "Eek". But '''do not''' call him a [[IAmNotWeasel monkey]]; he will be [[BerserkButton extremely offended]], since he is erudite enough to know that [[InsistentTerminology orangutans are apes]], and he will [[NoHoldsBarredBeatdown make it painfully clear]].

--> ''I'm an ape. One of Chester V's most brilliant innovations: an orangutan with a human brain within my ape brain. Like a turducken.''

''I'm an ape. One of Chester V's most brilliant innovations: an orangutan with a human brain within my ape brain. Like a turducken.''

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Gorillas are either [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]] or [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]], chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, and so are either [[IntelligentPrimate smart]], [[ManiacMonkeys scary]], [[MischiefMakingMonkey or]] [[SillySimian silly]]. Bonobos are usually lumped in with chimps in pop culture, but when they do appear, they're noted mainly for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

And then there are the orangutan of western Indonesia [[note]]There are three: Sumatran, Bornean, and Tapanuli[[/note]]. Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Gorillas are either [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]] or [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]], chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, and so are either [[IntelligentPrimate smart]], [[ManiacMonkeys scary]], [[MischiefMakingMonkey or]] [[SillySimian silly]]. Bonobos are usually lumped into chimps in pop culture, but when they do appear, they're noted mainly for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Both gorilla species are either [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]] or [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]], chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, and so are either [[IntelligentPrimate smart]], [[ManiacMonkeys scary]], [[MischiefMakingMonkey or]] [[SillySimian silly]]. Bonobos are usually lumped into chimps in pop culture, but when they do appear, they're noted mainly for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

And then there are the three orangutans (Sumatran, Bornean, and Tapanuli) of western Indonesia. Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'': Oranguru is based on an orangutan. It is also a psychic type (a type known for its intelligence) and is noted by the Pokédex to process extreme intelligence.

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Both gorilla species are either [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]] or (particularly in older works) [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]]. Chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, with all that implies, whether it's [[IntelligentPrimate being smart]] [[MischiefMakingMonkey or]] [[SillySimian silly]]. Bonobos are usually lumped into chimpanzees in pop culture, but when they do appear, they're noted mainly for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

And then there are the three orangutans (Sumatran, Bornean, and Tapanuli). Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

If a story features multiple species of apes or primates, orangutans will probably land the role of TheSmartGuy. However, unlike chimpanzees, which are also often portrayed as intelligent in fiction, they'll often be shown as calm and level-headed, rarely being a MadScientist or EvilGenius.

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Both gorilla species are either [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]] or (particularly in older works) [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]]. Chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, with all that implies whether its [[IntelligentPrimate being smart]] [[MischiefMakingMonkey or]] [[SillySimian silly]], and bonobos may be split from their sister species for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

And then there are the three orangutans (Sumatran, Biornean, and Tapanuli). Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Both gorilla species are either [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]] or (particularly in older works) [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]]. Chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, with all that implies whether its [[Intelligent Primate being smart]] [[Mischief-Making Monkey or]] [[Silly Simian silly]], and bonobos may be split from their sister species for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Both gorilla species are either [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]] or, alternately, [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]]. Chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, with all that implies, and bonobos may be split from their sister species for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

And then there are the three orangutans. Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Gorillas are either [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]] or, alternately, [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]]. Chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, with all that implies. Bonobos rarely appear or are just lumped into chimps, but when they do they are mainly known for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

And then there are orangutans. Generally lacking the imposing stature of gorillas or the comedic aspects of chimps, most fictional portrayals of orangutans instead focus on their intelligence. In many modern depictions, orangutans are shown as being highly intelligent and wise, having much knowledge of the world around them, both material and mystical. This was born and still exists in mythology of their native Sumatra and Borneo, which does revere orangutans as being such, to the point in some myths they're human ancestors. For those reasons, orangutans will also often be shown as intelligent by ''human'' standards.

** The fifth film in the original series, ''Film/BattleForThePlanetOfTheApes'', Caesar's post-apocalyptic settlement includes a young orangutan named Dr. Virgil (portrayed by Music/PaulWilliams), who is good-hearted but a bit of an InsufferableGenius, and serves as Caesar's [[TheSmartGuy primary science advisor]]. There's also Mandemus, a philosophically-minded old orangutan who has been put in charge of the settlement's horde of guns and of "Caesar's conscience", since no guns can be taken from the armory - not even by Caesar - without Mandemus' permission. He is portrayed as probably the most patient and level-headed character in the film.

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Gorillas are either [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]] or, alternately, [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]]. Chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, with all that implies. Bonobos [[SeldomSeenSpecies rarely appear]] or are just lumped into chimps, but when they do they are mainly known for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, seriously]], this is [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).

** The fifth film in the original series, ''Film/BattleForThePlanetOfTheApes'', Caesar's post-apocalyptic settlement includes a young orangutan named Dr. Virgil (portrayed by Music/PaulWilliams), who is a bit of an InsufferableGenius but basically good-hearted, and serves as Caesar's [[TheSmartGuy primary science advisor]]. There's also Mandemus, a philosophically-minded old orangutan who has been put in charge of the settlement's horde of guns and of "Caesar's conscience", since no guns can be taken from the armory - not even by Caesar - without Mandemus' permission. He is portrayed as probably the most patient and level-headed character in the film.

* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'': The Librarian of the Unseen University Library was turned into an orangutan in a mishap with a magical book. He actually prefers this to his human form, since long arms and prehensile feet are very useful for shelving books, and resists any attempt to turn him back. He's very intelligent to the point he can communicate just by looks, or by the single word "Ook" and occasionally "Eek". But '''[[BerserkButton do not]]''' call him a [[IAmNotWeasel monkey]]; he will be [[NoHoldsBarredBeatdown extremely offended]] since he is erudite enough to know that [[InsistentTerminology orangutans are apes]].

The non-human great apes have various species-wide stereotypes associated with them. Gorillas are either [[KillerGorilla brutish thugs]] or, alternately, [[GentleGorilla gentle and harmless]]. Chimpanzees are often treated interchangeably with monkeys, with all that implies. Bonobos [[SeldomSeenSpecies rarely appear]] or are just lumped into chimps, but when they do they are mainly known for their extreme sexual behavior ([[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No seriously]], [[TruthInTelevision this is]] [[https://psmag.com/environment/bonobos-have-sex-with-everyone-are-awesome-may-hold-key-to-our-past-59956 well-observed]]).