Abstract
The article speaks about the depiction of the basilisk found in St. Isidore’s of Seville Etymologies. The surviving description greatly influenced the information on this snake found in mediaeval bestiaries and encyclopaedias. The portrayal is a remarkable example of the gradual mythicisation of the basilisk’s features. The process was partly caused by misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the source material. The article shows how the compilation of many different sources, from many historical periods, can create an extraordinary depiction of a creature that in its early descriptions was devoid of almost all of its fantastical characteristics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Symbolae Philologorum Posnaniensium Graecae et Latinae
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
