A Basilisk is a reptilian monster from Greco-Roman mythology. A single glance into its eyes or inhalation of its breath will cause instant calcification and death, not unlike a Gorgon's Glance. A Basilisk is a small serpent-creature with the head having qualities of serpent and fowl, the body of dragon, feet of a fowl, and a crest on the head shaped like a crown. Because of its crown the Greeks called it a 'basilikos' or 'little king'. It is reputed to be the unquestioned king of serpents. A Basilisk is closely related to, but not synonymous with a Cockatrice. The difference being, a Basilisk is born of an reptilian egg hatched by a cockerel.
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