Basilisk

This page is dedicated to the Basilisk and Basilisk-like creatures.

The original Basilisk was a small, venemous serpent whose throat never touched the ground and which had a crest upon its head.

Everything about the Basilisk was poisonous: its bite, glance, saliva, and smell were all fatal. in addition, it could spit its venom at flying birds. The venom of the Basilisk could rot the fruit off the trees and pollute water. Becasue of this ability, the Basilisk was considered to be the cause of the Libyan and Middle Eastern deserts.

Physical Description
The Basilisk is described as a snake with white spots or stripes with fiery breath, sharing with the Gorgons the ability to turn onlookers into stone by its glance alone.

Protection Against a Basilisk
Carrying a crystal globe is reported to be useful in turning back the Basilisk's dangerous stare. One can also carry a weasel, which is also believed to be venemous when it bites. Another way to safeguard against a Basilisk is to carry a cockerel (chicken) with you. The crowing of the cockerel is believed to send the Basilisk into fits.

Europe
Basilic

In French folklore, the Basilic was a dragon that haunted the area around Vienne, taking cattle and people. It had a stare that petrified anyone that looked upon it.

Once, it was reported that the Basilic was defeated and imprisoned in a well, but every 10 years, it would return. If a person could stop it before it left the well, it would remain in place for another ten years. However, if the Basilic managed to escape, it would return to its previous terror.