In spring, when snakes wake from their low-energy burmation state, it is said that the mythical cockatrice begins to roam. This frightening creature was said to be a two-legged dragon-like creature with the head of a rooster and the tail of a snake. It was believed to be spawned when toads and snakes hatch an egg from a chicken. In ancient Rome, it was also called a basilikos (kinglet) and was thought to have so powerful magic that it could destroy all life with merely a gaze. To prevent a cockatrice from hatching out of an egg, it is recommended to toss the egg far enough over one's house until it lands on the other side.
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