Game of Thronesis a gateway into the fantasy genre for many new fans. This is a compliment to George R. R. Martin’s work and an insult to most other fantasy fiction. The series is more grounded, gritty, and adult-oriented than any ofTheLord of the Rings' successors. Subsequently, it eschews most of the high fantasy elements of other entries.Game of Thronesborrows the Basilisk from ancient myth and shifts it into something more realistic.
Dragons are a criticalelement ofGame of Thrones. They’ve decided the winner of global conflicts and unified Westeros under one throne. Their emergence after years of absence instantly rearranges the balance of power. Dragons are canonically magical, with some characters noting mystic forces gaining strength as they return. They’re the most iconic monsters in the franchise but far from the only ones.
What are Basilisks?
Basilisks are dangerous, venomous reptiles known for their ferocity and short temper. Their sizes vary. The largest of the species are described as twice the size of lions. Basilisks are named after a mythological creature from European legend. The mythical Basilisk is a snake-like reptile famed for its venom. They’re considered the king of serpents. A Basilisk is born when a hen hatches a snake egg. They’re considered so lethal that they leave a trail of toxins behind them as they slither. LikeGame of Thrones' Basilisks, the mythical beast varied in size from one story to the next. Some say they’re less than a foot long, while others draw them the size of dragons.Game of Throneswithholds information about the Basilisk’s physical appearance. Some artists depict them with legs, while others imagine a massive snake. In either case, they’re described as hideous by any that have seen them. They’re known to be violent towards humans and other animals. Their blood is as venomous as their bite, though it produces a different effect.
Where do Basilisks live?
Basilisks are not native to Westeros. The Westerosi answer to the Basilisk is a crocodilian called a Lizard-lion in theswamps of the Neck. They primarily live on the lost continent of Sothoryos. Few have explored Sothoryos, and even fewer survived to tell of its splendor. The continent is buried in thick jungle and choked with dangerous animals. Basilisks donate their name to Basilisk Point, a peninsula on the northern coast. That region is crawling with deadly reptiles. Any who dares to step foot on its shores risks running afoul of countless Basilisks.Basilisk Point is namedfor its venomous monsters, but they’re far from the only danger in the area. Those who have tried settling on the peninsula face diseases that will likely destroy them before the Basilisks reach their campsite.
The other notable concentrations of Basilisks are on Essos. The jungles of Yi Ti can be found on the western edge ofthe Shadow Lands. That golden empire’s borders reach into the wild, untamed foliage, containing many hidden Basilisks. They live on some of the tropical islands in the Jade Sea, a short swim away from Yi Ti. Any temperate jungle region without much human life could be home for Basilisks.
How do people use Basilisks?
Many humans would think to avoid Basilisks, but some find uses for their natural lethality. Basilisks regularly appear in fighting pits. Gamblers set them against large dogs, lions, and other predators to bet on the outcome.Daenerys Targaryen seesa Basilisk tearing apart a canine shortly after she arrives at the port of Qarth. They entertain bloodthirsty audiences across Essos and anywhere in Slaver’s Bay. Many use Basilisk venom as a poison. Assassins and scientists gather their saliva and blood to kill others. Their venom works much like any other traditional poison, but Basilisk’s blood has more unique effects. A drop of Basilisk blood inspires virulent rage in its victim.The Faceless Mencreate a paste from Basilisk’s blood. When applied to meat, it gives off an appetizing scent. Jaqen H’ghar used that paste to assassinate an abusive guard named Weese at Arya’s request. Jaqen feeds Weese’s dog meat spiked with Basilisk’s blood, prompting the beloved pet to rip out its owner’s throat. Oberyn Martell, an expert in poisons, sums up its effect like this:
Basilisk blood. It will give cooked meat a savory smell. But, if eaten, it produces violent madness… in beasts as well as men. A mouse will attack a lion after a taste of basilisk blood. But to a man who knows his heart, is not passion a form of madness?
Basilisks are terrifying monsters hiding inGame of Thrones' jungles. Though the show never depicted their might, the books mention them occasionally. Some imagine Basilisksas an anaconda slitheringthrough the trees. Others picture a Gila monster or Komodo dragon. The Basilisk is a nightmare that could strike any explorer who dares to leave Westeros.
