Lizard King

An alter ego of Doors lead singer Jim Morrison, to imitate a Native American shaman. Shamans identified strongly with an animal deity. Jim chose the lizard, which included the ability to shed his skin (leather pants, which he wore chronically). It may also be said he chose a Tyrannosaurus rex for "dinosaur fear" -- the theory that we have a genetic memory from the time when dinosaurs not only ruled the earth, but also snacked on our furry ancestors. References to the "Lizard King" and his greeting have since appeared in pop culture and entertainment, such as role-playing and computer games, animated cartoons, comics and literature.