It is possible that the legend of the basilisk and its association with the weasel in Europe was inspired by accounts of certain species of Asiatic snakes (such as the king cobra) and their natural predator, the mongoose. The basilisk's weakness is the odor of the weasel, which, according to Pliny, was thrown into the basilisk's hole, recognizable because some of the surrounding shrubs and grass had been scorched by its presence. According to the Naturalis Historia of Pliny the Elder, the basilisk of Cyrene is a small snake, "being not more than twelve inches in length", that is so venomous, it leaves a wide trail of deadly venom in its wake, and its gaze is likewise lethal.
In European bestiaries and legends, a basilisk ( / ˈ b æ s ɪ l ɪ s k/ or / ˈ b æ z ɪ l ɪ s k/ ) is a legendary reptile reputed to be a serpent king, who causes death to those who look into its eyes. Woodblock print of a basilisk from Ulisse Aldrovandi, Serpentum, et draconum historiae libri duo, 1640ĭragon, Cockatrice, Sea serpent, Giant anaconda, Venomous Mythical Snake
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