And a bit about basilisks for those who haven't read the series: They are small, about as long as a human's arm, but incredibly venomous. One touch from a basilisk can cause something to disintegrate. They breathe fire. I'm not sure if they're so deadly that they can cause a sword to disintegrate, but they caused Frank's bow to. Damian's thigh would have become horribly poisoned, but I guess bathing in the Styx protected him. Weasels are deadly to them!