Norbert is one of the earliest minions to ever have appeared...emerging from the ocean in prehistory alongside of his brethren.  But Norbert, unfortunately, is an idiot.  Of all the minions to emerge from the ocean, he was the only one who seemed to forget the importance of wearing clothing of some sort, and emerged fully naked!  A quick application of a couple of starfish (ironically, on his chest) seemed to satisfy him.  However, ol' Norbert would have some clothing fails again and again throughout history.