Letters to Tyrionn

[Neea]

Why boiling oil when defending castles? Would not boiling water work as well?

[Avocado]

I would say that the oil has the advantage of being flammable, so a well-placed burning arrow, or just dropping a torch, could light up the unlucky peons that were doused with it.

Water might instead extinguish any defensive fire.

At the very least I would guess oil holds heat longer than water, which when spread thin cools quickly. More embodied energy in the oil.

[Cabot]

To add to Avocado's points, the oil is also going to slick the walls and the ground near them, making them harder to scale or assault.

[Wookie]

Historically, boiling water was what was generally used. Oil sticks to skin, making it more effective. But water is cheaper and easier to come by.

[Dwin]

Depending on the oil, you can get it up to at least 400 degrees. Water tops out at 212.

[Thiklan]

This thread is pure awesome.

Thik