The Basilik - A dragon in all but name

No one can deny the basilisk is a true monster but the question remains whether the basilisk is a dragon, and therefore its story owns a place among all the dragon books.

The basilisk is said to have hatched from a cock's egg that serpents mothered. It was said to be the king of serpents, holding itself high instead of crawling on the earth as snakes do. It was also said it head was crested by horns, as if a crown adorned its head.

The basilisk was a lethal being. Some said that looking into its eyes would kill anyone or anything foolish enough to stare the saucer sized eyes. Others said looking at the basilisk caused such terror that death quickly followed. And there were those that claimed that the basilisk was so poisonous its breath would kill anything and its blood was so toxic it would kill a spearman that impaled the monster and his horse as well.

There were few who were able to fights such a monster as the basilisk. It was said a saint saw a basilisk emerge out of a well. The saint quickly looked up to avoid the creature's deadly eyes and the saint's prayer was powerful enough to kill the serpent.

Still, there were others who hunted the basilisk, using silver mirrors to look only on the monster's reflection and thus avoid dying.

The only natural enemy of the basilisk was said to be the weasel. The weasel attacked the basilisk whenever it saw it, fortified by eating a plant that was proof against the basilisk's powers.

Was the basilisk a dragon? Should we record it as a worthy addition to any dragon book?

Dragons are reptilian, and there is no doubt the basilisk was a serpent. Dragons are crested and horned, just as the basilisk was. A dragon usually has fire or poison breath, just like the basilisk. A dragon flies or strides high, just as the basilisk does. And finally, the dragon, just like the basilisk, is so terrifying other serpents flee it as they hear its hiss.

In conclusion, there can be no doubt the basilisk is a dragon, and a deadly addition to any dragon book.

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