โ€œChameleonic analogiesโ€: from the mandrake to the salamander, from the basilisk to the elf

In many legends of Italian folklore the mandrake inhabits the waters and is interchangeably described in its triple plant, zoomorphic, anthropomorphic aspect. Here we will describe some particular convergences between the "monster-mandrake", some mythological and non-mythological reptiles (salamanders, basilisks, snakes, dragons, reptiles and amphibians in general, winged creatures) and some subterranean and liminal creatures of the various legends such as spirits, goblins, premature deaths, damned souls.