Basilisks are said to be creatures of evil. Almost every time a basilisk is described, there is that little detail that they can kill a person with one glance and can turn a person to stone when their eyes meet through a ghost or a reflective surface.

Basilisks have many different forms, depending on the myth. Some myths say basilisks are giant snakes that have venom stored in their teeth and if one of its teeth just scratch your skin, you will die unless you have a Phoenix or a store of Phoenix tears near by. Other myths say the basilisk is a giant, ugly rooster that hatched from a chicken's egg being incubated by a frog or toad. The rooster basilisk usually is described as having dead parasites falling off its feathers. The rooster myth says that if the basilisk sees its reflection it will explode and the resulting dust is lethal if inhaled.

The basilisk will die if it hears the crowing of a rooster.

Some fantasy books include a bit of information on basilisks including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling and Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke.