Of all the monsters in Roman mythology, one of the smallest was also one of the most terrifying. Basilisks were the size of a chicken, but had powers that made people lock themselves inside their homes. These monsters could slay any living thing with a single look, even from great distances, plus their breath choked victims to death.
Half-Breed: Legends say that the basilisk was a cross between a rooster and a reptile. Its body was about the size of a chicken, but was covered in scales instead of feathers. Its feathered head had a beak, but it also had sharp, dagger-like teeth.
All Hail: The basilisk's name means "little king." It was given this name because the crest of feathers on its head resembled a crown. Plus, this monster ruled its domain, because everyone was afraid to go near it.
When Looks can Kill[]
Some basilisks were portrayed with a "fishy" look and resembled stingrays.
Stories of the basilisk almost always centered around the small beast's awesome killing power. One gaze from the monster's eyes instantly stopped the heart of any living creature. Plus, the basilisk's breath was a deadly poison. A traveler could always tell when nearing this monster's domain-almost every plant that the basilisk's breath touched withered and died, and any water in the area became foul and gave off a horrible stench. If one of these beasts came around, people dared not step foot outside their homes for fear of a hideous death.
Double Threat: Of all living things in the world, only two animals could scare the basilisk. The weasel was said to be immune to the monster's gaze and poison breath, and could fight it on even terms. Plus, the crow of a real rooster sent a basilisk running in fear.
Mirror Image: Roosters and weasels could chase a basilisk away, but there was just one way to kill one of these monsters. With the clever use of a mirror, a person could get close to a basilisk without looking into its eyes, then show the beast its own reflection and kill it.
Bad Egg[]
Legend has it that a basilisk was created when a frog or snake stole a chicken's egg and cared for it until it hatched. Of course, as soon as the basilisk emerged from the egg, its caretaker was always the first victim of the monster's deadly gaze. From then on, the basilisk was capable of killing thousands of animals and people until its reign was put to an end.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The trading card has the Gold Defense Power trait.
- The basilisk is featured in If Looks Could Kill on Monster Mania 56.
- The basilisk is one of two monsters capable of turning victims to stone, along with Gorgons and the Catoblepas.
- All three appear in packet set 4.