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| − | =Deserts=
| + | A '''desert''' is an arid environment. Deserts can be hot or cold, and their surfaces may include rock, gravel or sand. Dryness, rather than heat or sand dunes, is the defining feature. [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/deserts/what/ US Geological Survey: What Is a Desert?] |
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| − | Deserts are some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet. These vast expanses of barren land are found all over the world and are home to some of the hardiest plant and animal species known to man. There are many different types of deserts, each with their own unique characteristics and quirks.
| + | The Sahara is a hot desert, while much of Antarctica is a cold desert because it receives very little precipitation. Desert should therefore not be used as a synonym for a hot, sandy place. [https://www.bas.ac.uk/about/where-we-work/antarctica/ British Antarctic Survey: Antarctica.] |
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| − | One of the most interesting facts about deserts is that they cover almost one-third of the Earth's land surface. The largest desert in the world is the Sahara, which covers a whopping 9.2 million square kilometers in North Africa. This desert is so big that it's almost the same size as the entire United States.
| + | Deserts are not lifeless. Plants and animals have adaptations to the available water, temperature and seasonal conditions. Different desert environments support different communities. The [https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/deserts/features/ USGS account of desert features] describes this variation. |
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| − | While the Sahara may be the largest desert in the world, it's not necessarily the hottest. That title goes to the aptly named Death Valley in California, USA, which holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth - a sweltering 56.7°C (134°F)! On the other hand, the coldest desert in the world is Antarctica, which can experience temperatures as low as -89.2°C (-128.6°F) in the winter months.
| + | == The basilisk == |
| | + | [[File:The_basilisk_is_a_legendary_creature.png|400px|right]] |
| | + | The basilisk is a legendary creature. In book VIII, chapter 33 of Pliny the Elder's ''Natural History'', it is a small serpent associated with Cyrenaica, with a pale marking on its head resembling a diadem. Pliny reports that its harmful influence destroys vegetation and breaks stones. He also gives a story in which a weasel kills it and dies in the encounter. |
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| − | Despite their harsh conditions, deserts are home to a surprisingly diverse range of plant and animal life. Many of these species have evolved unique adaptations to help them survive in these challenging environments. For example, the cactus plant has evolved thick, spiky leaves that help it retain water, while the fennec fox has large ears that help it stay cool in the hot desert sun.
| + | These are claims within an ancient text, not observations establishing how deserts form. The passage provides a specific source for the image of a creature whose presence makes its surroundings hostile to life. It does not justify combining every later basilisk story into a single account. [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0137%3Abook%3D8&force=y Pliny, ''Natural History'', book VIII, chapter 33.] |
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| − | ==Basilisk==
| + | Descriptions of basilisks and cockatrices vary between texts and later retellings. Claims about their eggs, gaze or defeat need an identified version. They should not be presented as a fixed zoological classification or as a verified incident from Alexander's life. |
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| − | The basilisk is a legendary creature that has been a part of mythology for centuries. According to ancient beliefs, this creature was so fearsome that it had the power to turn anything it looked at into stone. But, perhaps even more intriguingly, it was also believed that basilisks were responsible for creating deserts.
| + | == Language and metaphor == |
| | + | Desert imagery can suggest scarcity, isolation or a difficult crossing. These are possible uses, not a universal meaning of the landscape. |
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| − | This belief originated in classical literature, with mentions of the basilisk and its supposed desert-creating abilities appearing in works such as Pliny the Elder's "Natural History" and the "Physiologus", a collection of allegorical stories about animals. In these texts, the basilisk is described as a serpent-like creature with a crown on its head, said to symbolize its royalty over all other serpents.
| + | * '''A cultural desert''': an evaluation that cultural opportunities are scarce. The description depends on what the speaker values. |
| | + | * '''An oasis''': a place or occasion offering relief within difficult surroundings. |
| | + | * '''A mirage''': something apparently desirable or attainable that proves misleading. The figurative use should be distinguished from the optical phenomenon. |
| | + | * '''Crossing a desert''': a possible comparison for a sustained difficulty or a journey with limited resources. |
| | + | * '''Desert island''': usually an uninhabited island; the expression does not require an arid climate. |
| | + | * '''To desert someone''': to abandon them. The verb and the landscape noun have different stress patterns in ordinary English. |
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| − | The idea that basilisks were responsible for creating deserts was based on the belief that their very presence was toxic to the surrounding environment. According to legend, when a basilisk was born, it would immediately begin to emit a deadly venom that would kill any plant or animal in its path. As it grew older, the venom would become stronger, until eventually, the creature had the power to create vast deserts simply by being in the vicinity.
| + | Phrases such as being a tumbleweed or a prickly pear can be creative comparisons. A list of examples does not establish that each is a conventional idiom, or that it originated in a desert culture. Actual nomadic societies should not be reduced to metaphors for aimlessness. |
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| − | One famous example of this belief can be found in the tale of Alexander the Great and the city of Ammon. According to legend, Alexander encountered a basilisk on his journey to the city, and was forced to use his shield to protect himself from its deadly gaze. When he eventually defeated the creature, it is said that the surrounding land was transformed into a barren desert, with not a single blade of grass growing in the area.
| + | == Wilderness in biblical narratives == |
| | + | [[File:Jesus-desert.png|400px|right]] |
| | + | In Exodus 16, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness includes hunger and the provision of manna. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fasts and is tempted in the wilderness. These narratives place scarcity, testing and provision in particular religious settings. The passages should be cited directly rather than treated as evidence that every desert story has the same meaning. [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10 King James Version of the Bible.] |
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| − | While we now know that deserts are created by a variety of natural processes, rather than the presence of mythical creatures, the legend of the basilisk and its supposed desert-creating powers continues to capture the imagination of people to this day.
| + | Matthew's account presents three temptations: turning stones into bread, throwing himself from the temple, and accepting worldly kingdoms in exchange for worship. Jesus rejects each with a scriptural response. This is a summary of Matthew's narrative, rather than a set of quotations assembled from different translations. |
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| − | ===Basilisk and Cockatrice=== | + | == Related pages == |
| | + | * [[Volcanoes]] |
| | + | * [[On Fire]] |
| | + | * [[Lightning]] |
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| − | The basilisk and the cockatrice are two legendary creatures that have been a part of European folklore for centuries. While these two creatures are often conflated in popular culture, they are actually quite distinct from one another in terms of their origins and characteristics.
| + | == Browse the library == |
| | + | [[:Category:Fire, heat and light|Fire, heat and light]] |
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| − | The basilisk is said to have originated in ancient Greek and Roman mythology, where it was described as a serpent-like creature with a deadly gaze. According to legend, basilisks were born from the eggs of a serpent or a toad that had been incubated by a rooster or a serpent. The creature was said to have a crown or crest on its head, which symbolized its royalty over all other serpents. The basilisk was believed to be so dangerous that it could turn anything it looked at into stone, and its venom was said to be lethal to any living creature.
| + | [[Subject index]] | [[Stories and literature]] | [[Special:AllPages|All articles A-Z]] |
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| − | The cockatrice, on the other hand, is a creature that first appeared in medieval European folklore. It was said to be a hybrid of a rooster and a serpent, with the body of a rooster and the tail of a serpent. Like the basilisk, the cockatrice was said to be extremely dangerous, with a venomous bite and a deadly gaze. However, unlike the basilisk, the cockatrice was not believed to be able to turn anything it looked at into stone.
| + | [[Category:Fire, heat and light]] |
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| − | One of the key differences between the basilisk and the cockatrice is their method of creation. While both creatures were said to be hatched from eggs, the basilisk was believed to be the result of an unnatural union between different species, while the cockatrice was said to be a natural hybrid of two different animals.
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| − | ===Defense Against the Basilisk===
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| − | In medieval and Renaissance Europe, the basilisk was regarded as one of the most fearsome and dangerous creatures in existence. Its deadly gaze was said to be enough to turn anything it looked at into stone, and its mere presence was believed to be enough to create deserts.
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| − | So, how could a person protect themselves from such a fearsome creature? According to legend, there were a few ways to defeat or protect oneself from a basilisk. One of the most popular methods was to use a mirror or other reflective surface to deflect the creature's gaze. It was believed that if the basilisk saw its own reflection, it would be so shocked and terrified that it would turn its deadly gaze upon itself and be destroyed.
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| − | Another method of protection was to use the crowing of a rooster to drive away the basilisk. According to legend, the crowing of a rooster was the one sound that the basilisk could not stand, and it would immediately flee at the first sound of it.
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| − | Some sources also suggest that certain herbs and plants could be used to protect oneself from the basilisk's venom. These included rue, hellebore, and mandrake, which were said to have powerful anti-venom properties.
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| − | ==Idioms==
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| − | Deserts and desert imagery have been used in language and literature for centuries, often to convey a sense of barrenness, emptiness, or isolation. As a result, there are many idioms and expressions that use desert imagery to communicate a range of emotions and experiences. Here are a few examples:
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| − | ::'''Desert island''' - This refers to a small, isolated island that is uninhabited or sparsely populated. It is often used to describe a situation in which someone is completely cut off from the rest of the world, either physically or emotionally.
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| − | ::'''Desert storm''' - This expression refers to a sudden and intense burst of activity or energy, often used in the context of military operations or political upheaval.
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| − | ::'''To desert someone''' - This means to abandon or leave someone in a time of need, often used to describe someone who is disloyal or unfaithful.
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| − | ::'''To be a desert''' - This expression is used to describe a situation or experience that is disappointing, unfulfilling, or lacking in substance.
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| − | ::'''To cross the desert''' - This means to endure a long and difficult journey or to overcome a significant obstacle, often used in the context of personal growth or self-discovery.
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| − | ::'''A mirage''' - This refers to an illusion or a false hope, often used to describe a situation in which something appears to be real or attainable, but is actually an illusion.
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| − | ::'''To be left high and dry''' - This means to be abandoned or left without support, often used to describe a situation in which someone is left in a difficult or precarious position.
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| − | These are just a few examples of the many idioms and expressions that use desert imagery to convey a wide range of emotions and experiences.
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| − | ===Plants and Creatures===
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| − | Desert plants and animals have long been used in language and literature to convey a range of emotions and experiences. Here are a few idioms and expressions that use desert imagery in unique ways:
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| − | ::'''To be as dry as a cactus''' - This means to be very dry or lacking in moisture, often used to describe a person's sense of humour or personality.
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| − | ::'''To be like a tumbleweed''' - This means to be aimless or directionless, often used to describe someone who lacks purpose or motivation.
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| − | ::'''To be a lone wolf''' - This means to be independent and self-sufficient, often used to describe someone who prefers to work or live alone.
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| − | ::'''To be as sly as a desert fox''' - This means to be cunning or wily, often used to describe someone who is good at manipulating others.
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| − | ::'''To be lost in the wilderness''' - This means to be completely lost or without direction, often used to describe a person's sense of confusion or disorientation.
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| − | ::'''To be like a prickly pear''' - This means to be difficult to approach or get close to, often used to describe someone who is guarded or defensive.
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| − | ::'''To be a desert rose''' - This means to be unique or rare, often used to describe someone or something that stands out from the crowd.
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| − | ===Wandering Lifestyle===
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| − | Nomadic lifestyles and the people of the desert have also been a source of inspiration for language and literature. Here are a few idioms and expressions that use desert imagery to describe a wandering or nomadic lifestyle:
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| − | ::'''To be a rolling stone''' - This means to be a person who is constantly moving or changing, often used to describe someone who has a nomadic lifestyle or is always seeking new experiences.
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| − | ::'''To follow the wind''' - This means to live a life without a set plan or direction, often used to describe a person who lives a nomadic lifestyle or who is constantly changing their plans.
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| − | ::'''To be a Bedouin at heart''' - This means to have a love for travel and adventure, often used to describe someone who enjoys a nomadic lifestyle or who is always seeking new experiences.
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| − | ::'''To live like a gypsy''' - This means to have a nomadic lifestyle, often used to describe someone who lives on the road or who moves frequently.
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| − | ::'''To wander like a desert nomad''' - This means to travel without a set destination or plan, often used to describe someone who enjoys the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle.
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| − | ::'''To live like a modern-day drifter''' - This means to have a wandering lifestyle, often used to describe someone who moves from place to place without settling down.
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| − | These are just a few examples of the many idioms and expressions that use desert imagery to describe a wandering or nomadic lifestyle.
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A desert is an arid environment. Deserts can be hot or cold, and their surfaces may include rock, gravel or sand. Dryness, rather than heat or sand dunes, is the defining feature. US Geological Survey: What Is a Desert?
The Sahara is a hot desert, while much of Antarctica is a cold desert because it receives very little precipitation. Desert should therefore not be used as a synonym for a hot, sandy place. British Antarctic Survey: Antarctica.
Deserts are not lifeless. Plants and animals have adaptations to the available water, temperature and seasonal conditions. Different desert environments support different communities. The USGS account of desert features describes this variation.
The basilisk
The basilisk is a legendary creature. In book VIII, chapter 33 of Pliny the Elder's Natural History, it is a small serpent associated with Cyrenaica, with a pale marking on its head resembling a diadem. Pliny reports that its harmful influence destroys vegetation and breaks stones. He also gives a story in which a weasel kills it and dies in the encounter.
These are claims within an ancient text, not observations establishing how deserts form. The passage provides a specific source for the image of a creature whose presence makes its surroundings hostile to life. It does not justify combining every later basilisk story into a single account. Pliny, Natural History, book VIII, chapter 33.
Descriptions of basilisks and cockatrices vary between texts and later retellings. Claims about their eggs, gaze or defeat need an identified version. They should not be presented as a fixed zoological classification or as a verified incident from Alexander's life.
Language and metaphor
Desert imagery can suggest scarcity, isolation or a difficult crossing. These are possible uses, not a universal meaning of the landscape.
- A cultural desert: an evaluation that cultural opportunities are scarce. The description depends on what the speaker values.
- An oasis: a place or occasion offering relief within difficult surroundings.
- A mirage: something apparently desirable or attainable that proves misleading. The figurative use should be distinguished from the optical phenomenon.
- Crossing a desert: a possible comparison for a sustained difficulty or a journey with limited resources.
- Desert island: usually an uninhabited island; the expression does not require an arid climate.
- To desert someone: to abandon them. The verb and the landscape noun have different stress patterns in ordinary English.
Phrases such as being a tumbleweed or a prickly pear can be creative comparisons. A list of examples does not establish that each is a conventional idiom, or that it originated in a desert culture. Actual nomadic societies should not be reduced to metaphors for aimlessness.
Wilderness in biblical narratives
In Exodus 16, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness includes hunger and the provision of manna. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fasts and is tempted in the wilderness. These narratives place scarcity, testing and provision in particular religious settings. The passages should be cited directly rather than treated as evidence that every desert story has the same meaning. King James Version of the Bible.
Matthew's account presents three temptations: turning stones into bread, throwing himself from the temple, and accepting worldly kingdoms in exchange for worship. Jesus rejects each with a scriptural response. This is a summary of Matthew's narrative, rather than a set of quotations assembled from different translations.
Related pages
Browse the library
Fire, heat and light
Subject index | Stories and literature | All articles A-Z
