Known as one of the most dangerous magical creatures in the Harry Potter universe, Basilisks can kill someone by looking at them directly in the eye. Just ask “Moaning” Myrtle Warren. Affiliated with the Dark Arts, the first known Basilisk to be born was by Herpo the Foul, who hatched a chicken egg under a toad, resulting in the first of its kind. The creature originated in Greece but can be found worldwide in the present day.
To distinguish between a male or female, the scarlet plume is the tall tale sign of a male. Known for its poisonous fangs and venom, there is no typical cure if a human is poisoned. However, as demonstrated in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the tears from a Phoenix can heal anyone poisoned by Basilisk venom. It is unclear whether the Ministry of Magic is aware of this. Also, if someone watches the reflection of a Basilisk on a reflective surface, they only become petrified. Glasses don’t add protection, as seen with Myrtle.
The Ministry of Magic lists the Basilisk with an XXXXX rating, signifying its deadliness. As it is a serpent, it is possible that a Parselmouth can communicate with one, though it depends on the relationship between the creature and the wizard. This is evident when Tom Riddle commands the snake when it attacks Harry in the Chamber of Secrets. However, when Potter tries to stop it, it doesn’t listen.
Spells don’t damage it as its skin is like dragon scales. A Basilisk can shed its skin like a standard snake, as when Harry, Ron, and Gilderoy Lockhart found shredded snake skin in the Chamber.
