On the front face of the capital, a basilisk, at left, faces two grotesque
creatures on the other side of the capital
The basilisk is a fabulous creature with the head and wings of a rooster and the
body of the serpent. It has a large head with a prominent beak and comb. At
right, a humanoid figure stands behind a grasshopper-like creature. The
human-like figure has a round head and holding a vase-like object (a crystal
ball?) in front of him with both hands. (for protection? See below) The creature
below him has scales like a fish, wings, lion-like feet, a mustache and horns.
The basilisk was described by many ancient authorities, including Pliny the
Elder (Natural History, Book 8, 33) and Lucan (Pharsalia) Early accounts
associated it with kings and described as a small, highly poisonous snake which
can be killed by a weasel. This has led modern scholars to guess that this might
be a description of a king cobra (which can be killed by a mongoose) The
basilisk is described by many medieval authorities including Albertus Magnus and
Isidore of Seville ( Etymologies, Book 12, 4:6-9) In the Middle Age, the legend
was elaborated . The basilisk was thought to be hatched from a cock's egg by a
toad, who incubates it for 7 years. The Basilisk's glance turns to stone all
those who are not protected by a mirror or a crystal ball.
| Location within Floorplan | Placement in Elevation |
|---|---|
Salet: Number 74 North side of nave.
|
 |
See also North capital of north door of
narthex
Bibliography
Salet, p. 187.
Return to
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
CAPITALS |
MAIN PAGE |
|
|
