Unicorn -- n. 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 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, in my personal opinion, a truly tragic tale. As I previously stated
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 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