Mythical Basilisk (Italian Folklore/ Greek Mythology)

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Some reports say the Basilisk originated in Italian lore, while others say it was born from Greek mythology. According to lore, the Basilisk had the power to kill people with a single glance—similar to Medusa, although the two are not interchangeable. The creature emerged from a rooster’s egg after being incubated by a toad, and had the power “to wither landscapes with its breath,” according to the Smithsonian.

The Basilisk has been around for a long time, with the earliest written reports dating back to a mention in Pliny the Elder’s Natural History in 79 A.D. The Basilisk was often referred to as the king of serpents and has been described in varying detail as being a mix of snake and rooster.