basilik

Basilik is a term used in some languages to refer to the basilisk, a legendary creature from European folklore. The name derives from Latin basiliscus, itself from Greek basilikos, meaning “kingly” or “little king,” reflecting the creature’s reputed regal nature. In medieval bestiaries the basilisk is described as a serpent- or lizard-like monster, sometimes with dragon-like features. A common tale holds that a basilisk is hatched from a serpent’s egg incubated by a rooster; other sources describe variations in its origin and appearance.

Powers and characteristics attributed to the basilisk vary by source but are consistently extraordinary. The most famous attribute is the gaze, which is said to kill or petrify anyone who looks directly at the creature. Some accounts add additional lethal traits, such as venomous breath or a deadly touch. Because the basilisk blends elements of reptiles and birds in many depictions, its size and coloration also vary across traditions.

Cultural presence and legacy are broad. The basilisk appears in medieval literature and art, influencing heraldry and folklore across Europe. It has persisted in modern fantasy and popular culture, appearing in books, games, and films, where it is typically portrayed as a dangerous, almost indomitable serpent-figure with a gaze-based threat. The term basilik may be used as a language-specific form or variant spelling of basilisk, and it should not be confused with basil (the herb) or basilica (the church).