Basilisks

Basilisks are a mythical creature species that appear in The Menagerie trilogy.

Description

Basilisks are one of the most deadly mythical creatures, as they have many methods of attack and defense, most of which fatal or deadly. A basilisk's hiss and stare are instantly fatal, and Menageries that own them, such as the Wyoming Menagerie, take precautions to avoid them, such as soundproofing, rooster ringtones, and blinders for when the basilisk is awake.

They are also noted to have a very potent and disgusting smell that can deter the smeller from eating for as long as a week. As mentioned in Dragon on Trial, a basilisk, like the one in Harry Potter, is not a giant snake, contrary to popular belief. Instead, they are large lizards with spiky crests on their heads and have stumpy legs with thick claws. An illustration on the back cover of Dragon on Trial shows an illustration of a basilisk with multiple legs, but it has not been specified in the trilogy whether they have four legs like a typical lizard or multiple legs. They appear to have an herbivorous, fruit-based diet, composed of foods like kiwis, apples, and figs. They can live to be over a hundred years, as seen with Basil, who is around 400 years old. The sound of a rooster crowing, whether real or artificial (such as a ringtone), can put a basilisk to sleep. Basilisks cannot be killed, except for of old age, or if it is killed by a weasel. A scarab, if worn, can protect a person from a basilisk's hiss and glare.

History

Dragon on Trial

Basil, a basilisk who lives in the Reptile House in the Wyoming Menagerie, is fed fruit by Zoe.

Krakens and Lies

Basil is accidentally let loose.

Known Basilisks

• Basil

Sources

Sutherland, Tui T, and Kari Sutherland. Dragon on Trial. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2014

Sutherland, Tui T, and Kari Sutherland. Krakens and Lies. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2015