Unicorns

Unicorns were described in accounts of natural history (not Myths) by Greek writers who were convinced of the reality of these creatures.

The Greek Ctesias said that India produces such a one-horned horse. A merchant from Alexandria called Casmas Indicopleusles who in the 6th Century voyaged to India gives a description of Unicorn brass figures in the Ethiopian Kings Palace through which he passed on his journey. In fact there are several references to Unicorns and their strength in the King James version of the Bible (e.g. The book of Numbers 23:22 “God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn”). Leonardo Da Vinci also referred to them. In one of his notebooks he wrote that because of the Unicorn’s love of fair maidens it “forgets its ferocity and wildness; and laying aside all fear will go up to a seated damsel and go to sleep in her lap, thus the hunters take it”.

The Unicorns were thought to have magical powers including their horn which was said to have the ability to make poisoned water drinkable and indeed give it healing properties. That, though, made them the target of hunting.

The hunt of the Unicorn was a common theme in European tapestries, fine examples of which hang in the Metropolitan Museum in New York City with scenes of huntsman and hounds in pursuit. Another famous set of tapestries featuring unicorns, The Lady and the Unicorn ("La Dame a la Licorne“), is housed in the Musee de Cluny in Paris (also called the Musee de Moyenne Ages).

The Unicorn is often depicted in Heraldry, especially in the Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland, thus it also now features in the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.

The Unicorns have become symbols of purity and grace.