Newt Scamander and the Basilisk: Would He Collect the Most Lethal Fantastic Beast?

Newt Scamander, the protagonist of J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts series, is known for his compassion towards magical creatures and his efforts to protect and conserve them. Would his character traits lead him to collect a basilisk, one of the most dangerous fantastic beasts?

Understanding Newt's Character

As portrayed in the books and movie series, Newt Scamander is characterized by his compassion for magical creatures. He often seeks to promote their conservation through the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them guide, rather than simply collecting them. Therefore, while he might be intrigued by a basilisk as a fantastic beast, his actions would likely reflect a desire to ensure its well-being rather than a straightforward intention to capture it.

Putting Safety Above All

Additionally, there are hints that Newt sometimes puts the safety of the creatures above common sense, as seen in his interactions with his magical creatures. For example, when facing a dangerous creature, he often prioritizes the well-being of others. This mindset would likely come into play when dealing with a basilisk, the most dangerous creature in the magical world.

Basilisks and Their Lethality

Basilisks, especially full-grown ones, are among the most dangerous creatures in the magical world. Their highly toxic venom and stare that can kill upon sight make them highly lethal. The only way to neutralize a basilisk is by blinding it, which deprives it of its most aggressive attack, or through Parseltongue, a language that very few people can speak, including Newt Scamander.

Would Newt Attempt to Collect It?

Collecting a basilisk would be extremely dangerous for both Newt and the creature, which aligns with Newt's compassionate nature. Newt wouldn't risk harming or endangering the basilisk. He would recognize its dangerous nature and the threat it poses to both magical and non-magical beings. Given that the basilisk’s venom and stare can cause death, Newt's desire to protect both muggles and magical beings would lead him to avoid capturing it.

The Basilisk in the UK

From the information provided in the books and the film, it is known that a basilisk existed in the UK sometime in the 1940s, particularly during the events of the Chamber of Secrets. The last known sighting was in 1942-1943, and the most recent was in 1992-1993, when Ginny Weasley was possessed by Voldemort. By the time the Fantastic Beasts films were set (1926-1927), the basilisk had presumably been contained or neutralized.

The Setting of Fantastic Beasts

The Fantastic Beasts films are set in 1926 and 1927 in New York City. The first film takes place during winter, while the second film is set six months later after the events of the first. It is reasonable to assume that the basilisk, if still active, would be contained or destroyed by that time, given the fact that significant magicalevents like the Chamber of Secrets occurred a few decades prior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Newt Scamander is curious and compassionate towards magical creatures, his knowledge of their dangers and his commitment to protecting both magical and non-magical beings would make him highly unlikely to attempt to collect a basilisk. His character would guide him to avoid such a dangerous and aggressive creature, ensuring the safety of all involved.