On the Lost Legs of the Snake that Seduced Eve
On the Lost Legs of the Snake that Seduced Eve

Summary/Abstract: There are many paintings and sculptures depicting a well-known motif from the garden of Eden: seducing Eve. The animal that tempts Eve in the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, is referred to as the serpent. The modern meaning of the word "serpent" has largely determined the manner of presenting this animal in art. However, according to the literal interpretation of Genesis, before having given the forbidden fruit to Eve, the serpent must have had limbs. It seems that changing the appearance of the serpent is contrary to both the biblical and evolutionary record. Nowadays, the evolution of snakes from four-legged ancestors is well known on the basis of fossil record data and discoveries in the field of molecular biology. The process of ultimate limb loss and body extension in (proto) snakes is a great example of evolution. Equally fascinating is the fact that the loss of the legs by the serpent caught the attention of ancient civilization in the Middle East, which thought it was a divine punishment.

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