The mythology of Basil.
Now, there are a wide variety of myths about basil across the
whole Eastern hemisphere.
Most people connect it with protection, a little bit of luck, and other perky happy things.
Some see it as a way of attracting some of that other green into their life you know what I'm saying. Hmm? Green.
This means money.
But those pesky ancient Greeks thought that basil symbolized hatred.
While in Crete, they went so far as to say that is was the emblem of the devil!
Jewish folklore says that basil adds strength while fasting.
The Victorians, had to have it both ways,
they thought common basil signified hatred
while sweet basil meant that you giving someone your best wishes, aww.
Now in Portugal, a little dwarf basil plant given together with a poem is mighty good luck when
you were trying to court your sweetie,
or when you are trying to butter up
Saint John or Saint Anthony.
So, get out that basil to avoid those evil spirits, attract a mate,
and, earn a little money,
but better make sure it’s the right kind of basil.
Cause otherwise you’re just being a hateful little twit.
At least according to the Victorians and the greeks.
Gosh this herb gets around.
Speaking of getting around (sound effect), thank you,
in matters of love, many countries thought that basil was an aphrodisiac.
So come on over to my boudoir, baby.
And bring the basil.
Ooh yeah.
In Pagan love spells it was used to attract husbands and wives,
or both.
Whatever your preference, I don’t judge.
The Moldavians took it a step further by saying that if a man accepted a sprig of basil from
a woman, he would fall in love with her.
So who at there has a little basil under their window right now?
Be honest.
Now the really crazy legends begin with the origins of it’s botanical name,
Osimum basilicum.
Now according to the mythology
This Latin root actually came from King Ocimus,
who it just so happens was slain by a gladiator.
Eww.
And had a bed of basil grow out of the spot where he fell.
Yeah, I can buy that.
A little bloody fertilizer goes a long way.
And that brings us to my favorite myth, basil was long thought to be an antidote
to Basilisk venom.
Basilisk venom?
Basilisk venom?!
Basilisk venom!
Basilisk venom?
Basilisk venom.
That’s right Harry Potter.
No need to worry about Fawkes’ tears.
You should’ve reached for a few leaves from the king of herbs
when heading into the Chamber of Secrets.
Or at least, you know, eaten a basil and chicken sandwich when going down into the, uh,
chamber.
Just saying. It woulda helped.
Unlike the fully serpentine creature in the Chamber of Secrets
The basilisk of ancient lore actually looked more like this.
With the head of a rooster,
The body of a serpent
and the wings of a bat.
I guess the thought that was a little to freaky for the children.
The Romans and the Greeks both thought that Basil
was the cure for the Basilisk’s bite, which would definitely kill ya.
Being super super deadly, the basilisk would also kill you with a good staring contest.
Though, as our hero Harry Potter proved,
an indirect stare of a reflection would
just mean getting petrified.
The basilisk’s withering breath was also believed to kill plants and animals.
Other ancient lore says that Basilisks could breathe fire.
pretty darn cool if you ask me.
And basil, you get some major King Kong sized cool points too
because people believed that basil could
cure everything the Basilisk could throw at you.
Except the fire…
But wait,
that's not the end of the myths.
there's Scorpions!
Here I am,
rock you like a hurricane!
Shout out to the 80’s rock gods.
it was thought that if left alone under a pot for a while, Basil would turn
into a scorpion.
There was also a Flemish doctor who said that if left
crushed between bricks
basil would turn into another scorpion.
You think maybe they had just dropped some basil on the floor
and a poor scorpion
was walking by at the same time
and they just happened to see it and went,
(scared breath) Gadzooks!
That basil just turned into a scorpion!!
French physician Hilarius,
I’m not joking, that’s his name.
Hilarius,
is actually quoted as saying that just by smelling basil
you could breed a scorpion
in your brain.
And it was generally believed that you had to handle basil very gently
in order to avoid to avoid breeding
more of those pesky scorpions.
On the flip side
Africans believed that basil could actually protect you against scorpions.
Guessing it probably has something to do with the
breed of scorpions they have in Africa
Gah!
I guess so.
Look at that guy.
And if all this isn't crazy enough for ya,
it was said that Basil was good
for the striking
of a sea dragon.
How?
I would assume like on the end of a spear, or something
because, you know, basil's not that good for thrusting.
Oo! Maybe just a good light smack on the side of the check?
(Smack Sound)
Urgh!
And that is it for basil mythology.
My question for today is
did you actually know about any of the
basilisk and scorpion related mythology?
Also, are there any other herbs you’d like to see me cover this way?
Please say so in the comment section down below.
And thanks again for watching.
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Also you can click on the links
in the description below.
If you wanna find out more about basil mythology.
Until next time,
be nice to each other.
And your animals.