Basilisk

What is a Basilisk

The basilisk is a legendary creature often referred to as the "king of serpents." Originating in European folklore and medieval bestiaries, it is typically described as a serpent-like being with extraordinary and lethal powers.

In many accounts, the basilisk is said to be hatched from an egg laid by a rooster and incubated by a toad or snake. It is characterized by its piercing gaze, which can kill or turn anyone who meets its eyes to stone. Some stories claim its venom is so potent that it can wither plants, poison water, or even kill creatures that merely hear its hiss.

Depictions of the basilisk vary; in some traditions, it is purely snake-like, while in others, it combines features of a rooster, lizard, and serpent. Despite its fearsome reputation, the basilisk is said to be vulnerable to certain things, such as the crowing of a rooster, which can kill it, or its reflection, which might turn its deadly gaze back on itself.

The basilisk has left a lasting impression on mythology, art, and literature, embodying themes of danger, power, and the mysterious.