Unicorn

Unicorn

An imaginary animal like a horse but having a single horn in the middle of its forehead, the hind legs of an antelope, and the tail of a lion. [< Latin unicornis < unus one + cornu horn] - from the Thorndike-Barnhart Student Dictionary

"The unicorn is the only fabulous beast that does not seem to have been conceived out of human fears. In even the earliest references he is fierce yet good, selfless yet solitary, but always mysteriously beautiful. He could be captured only by unfair means, and his single horn was said to neutralize poison." -Marianna Mayer, The Unicorn and the Lake

The Myth of the Unicorn

The Unicorn is found throughout world legends. His appearance has changed over time as writers and artists have taken poetic license and used their imaginations. The Myth of the Unicorn can be traced back to early pagan mythology. Oddly enough, this pagan creature was accepted in Medieval Europe, which was strictly dominated by Christianity, and the Unicorn even became a symbol of Christ Himself.

The Unicorn of European Myth was actually a small goat-like creature. He had cloven hooves, the tail of a lion, and a large spiraling horn growing from his forehead. This horn was said to have medicinal properties, and it was sought by many a rich nobleman. This creature would have been far too small to ever support the weight of a human. There are several sources from which the Myth could be derived. The most popular theory is that of explorers returning home bearing the tusk of the narwhal, which has an uncanny resemblance to the horn of the Unicorn. Also, sightings of the rhinoceros have been attributed to the growing of this Myth in Europe. Marco Polo returned to Italy to write of a beast with the head of a pig, the body of an elephant, and a single horn growing from its nose.

The Lady of the Unicorn was a predominant part of the European Myth. It was said that only the purest of maidens could tame this beast. When a Unicorn saw a maid sitting in the wood, he would came forward and docilely lay his head in her lap, as innocent as a child. This was the Unicorn's one weakness. Some tales tell of a Lady residing in a cave with the Unicorn. These tales portray the Virgin which loved the Unicorn. However there are more....

The Unicorn Hunt is a truly tragic tale. The horn of the Unicorn was believed to have healing properties, as well as to neutralize poison. This horn was a prize sought by noblemen for many different reasons. Now, the Hunt is where the Virgin comes into play. The Unicorn would only approach the purest of humans. So, these greedy noblemen would have a beautiful young maiden sit under a tree in a forest and wait. At time's the forest is known as the King's Forest. The Unicorn, who could sense a virgin -it is never told how - would come and docilely lay his head in her lap, completely trusting. At this moment, the nobleman and his soldiers would spring from hiding, and cut the horn from the Unicorn's head. There prize was gained at the expense of the Unicorn's life.


The Modern Unicorn

The Modern Unicorn is result of many different people's imaginations. He has changed from the delicate, goat-like creature to one of simple equine beauty. A beast ridden by a Virgin who he can actually trust not to lead him to the Hunter. He comes in every color and size, from the purest ivory to the darkest ebony and every shade of the rainbow in between the two. He can have the wings of Pegasus and take the name of Alicorn, or he can be given the leathery wings of a Demon and be a creature yet unnamed. Today's Unicorn is special to each of his followers, but he still holds the basic principles of nobility, selflessness, and purity. And he shall always be one of the most beautiful creatures conceived by the mind of Man.

"Today it is said that the unicorn never existed. However, it is marvelously clear that when the unicorn was first described and centuries later when the tapestries were woven, everyone believed in unicorns." -Marianna Mayer, The Unicorn and the Lake