Basilisco Chilote
Encyclopedia
The Basilisco chilote is a creature from Chilota mythology
originating the Chiloé Archipelago
, in southern Chile
.
The Basislico chilote is described as having the crest of a rooster
and the body of a serpent
. It is hatched from an egg that is incubated by a rooster and lives in hole which it digs under a house. It feeds on the phlegm
and saliva
of the people who live in the house, causing the inhabitants to dehydrate and eventually die.
To kill Basislico chilote, you must burn the egg as soon as it is laid and kill the chicken that laid it, to prevent further eggs from being laid. Once hatched the only way to destroy it is by burning down the house where it lives.
This myth is based upon myths of the Colo Colo
and the basilisk
, but borrows more from the tradition of the cockatrice
which itself draws from the basilisk.
Chilota mythology
The Chilote mythology or Chilota mythology is formed by the myths, legends and beliefs of the people who live in the Chiloé Archipelago, in the south of Chile...
originating the Chiloé Archipelago
Chiloé Archipelago
Chiloé Archipelago consists of several islands lying off the coast of Chile. It is separated from mainland Chile by Chacao Channel in the north, the Sea of Chiloé in the east and Gulf of Corcovado to the southeast. All of the archipelago except Desertores Islands, which are part of Palena...
, in southern Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
.
The Basislico chilote is described as having the crest of a rooster
Rooster
A rooster, also known as a cockerel, cock or chanticleer, is a male chicken with the female being called a hen. Immature male chickens of less than a year's age are called cockerels...
and the body of a serpent
Serpent
Serpent may refer to:* Serpent, a synonym for snake* Serpent , the name given to a snake in a religious or mythological context* Serpent , said to have tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden* Serpent in astronomy...
. It is hatched from an egg that is incubated by a rooster and lives in hole which it digs under a house. It feeds on the phlegm
Phlegm
Phlegm is a liquid secreted by the mucous membranes of mammalians. Its definition is limited to the mucus produced by the respiratory system, excluding that from the nasal passages, and particularly that which is expelled by coughing . Phlegm is in essence a water-based gel consisting of...
and saliva
Saliva
Saliva , referred to in various contexts as spit, spittle, drivel, drool, or slobber, is the watery substance produced in the mouths of humans and most other animals. Saliva is a component of oral fluid. In mammals, saliva is produced in and secreted from the three pairs of major salivary glands,...
of the people who live in the house, causing the inhabitants to dehydrate and eventually die.
To kill Basislico chilote, you must burn the egg as soon as it is laid and kill the chicken that laid it, to prevent further eggs from being laid. Once hatched the only way to destroy it is by burning down the house where it lives.
This myth is based upon myths of the Colo Colo
Colo Colo (mythology)
The Colo Colo or Colocolo, is a malignant creature of Mapuche mythology.-Legend:The Colo Colo's aspects differ slightly according to which zone of Chile. In Mapuche the Colo Colo has a serpent form with legs, similar to a long rat with feathers...
and the basilisk
Basilisk
In European bestiaries and legends, a basilisk is a legendary reptile reputed to be king of serpents and said to have the power to cause death with a single glance...
, but borrows more from the tradition of the cockatrice
Cockatrice
A cockatrice is a legendary creature, essentially a two-legged dragon with a rooster's head. "An ornament in the drama and poetry of the Elizabethans", Laurence Breiner described it...
which itself draws from the basilisk.
See also
- Chilota mythologyChilota mythologyThe Chilote mythology or Chilota mythology is formed by the myths, legends and beliefs of the people who live in the Chiloé Archipelago, in the south of Chile...
- Colo ColoColo Colo (mythology)The Colo Colo or Colocolo, is a malignant creature of Mapuche mythology.-Legend:The Colo Colo's aspects differ slightly according to which zone of Chile. In Mapuche the Colo Colo has a serpent form with legs, similar to a long rat with feathers...
- BasiliskBasiliskIn European bestiaries and legends, a basilisk is a legendary reptile reputed to be king of serpents and said to have the power to cause death with a single glance...
- CockatriceCockatriceA cockatrice is a legendary creature, essentially a two-legged dragon with a rooster's head. "An ornament in the drama and poetry of the Elizabethans", Laurence Breiner described it...
- Hungry ghostHungry ghostHungry ghost is a Western translation of Chinese , a concept in Chinese Buddhism and Chinese traditional religion representing beings who are driven by intense emotional needs in an animalistic way....
- Mbói Tu'ĩMbói Tu'iMbói Tu'i is one of the seven legendary monsters of Guaraní mythology. He is the second son of Tau and Kerana.Mbói Tu'i literally translates to "snake-parrot" which describes this creatures appearance....