Mythological Beasts: The Unicorn

I am fascinated with mythological creatures, fantasy, and magic. This type of storytelling has the ability to whisk the reader away from reality and allow them to travel carefree in another world. I've always been split between reading pure fantasy and romance. I cut my teeth reading classic fairy tales and I was upset when I saw the Disney version of the Little Mermaid. How could they have her not die at the end and turn to sea foam for a thousand years? That movie is not the same as the book, but I digress.

I am blogging about unicorns today because I love all mythological beasts. They fascinate me.

So if you aren't familiar with them, I am going to share what I've learned about unicorns. Maybe you can add to it in the comment section.

The first thing you may notice is that the unicorns look remarkably like a horse, only there is one horn on their head very near the top of their mane and between their ears. Yet this is no ordinary horse. Their beauty is legendary and they spook easily. They aren't tame enough to ride and cannot be broke like a horse. Only the gods can ride them or someone with exceptionally powerful blood inside of them. 

One would be extremely lucky to see them in the daylight. They almost always are seen in or around a full moon and use their magic to stay hidden deep in the forest away from humans.

They are also fiercely protective of their babies and very good mothers. The most common types of unicorns have a white coat and a silver mane but they can come in any color that a horse will.

There is something sexual in the way the majestic creatures are attracted to beautiful maidens. Okay--okay--not just any maidens but virgins. Using a virgin to find a unicorn is better than honey in a trap because they are the only ones the large beasts will trust to get close enough to touch.

They are gentle and curious creatures.

But they do fight and are also strong. They use their mighty horn as a weapon and it is harder than any steel or sword made by man. Also, a great deal of the animals magic is stored in the horn so it is not only used in many powerful spells and potions but it also makes a wonderful magician's wand. These are just one of many reasons it is highly sought after in the human realm and has been hunted into near extinction in the medieval ages.

Unicorns can have light or dark magic, but knowing which is which is only important if you ever find one. My very first book I wrote when I was about ten had a unicorn in it and it talked. I may never know if that's true or not, but I'd like to believe they are intelligent creatures and can still be found deep in the forest and not just my heart.

Here are some other places you may be able to find information on the mythical unicorns. I hope you enjoyed my first installment on mythological beasts. I just love fantasy and the creatures that live in magical places. So it's fun for me to share that love with you.


Movies that star Unicorns:

1. The Last Unicorn

Books that feature Unicorns:

1. The Unicorn and the Virgin by Missy Lyons

Lots of love to you all,
Missy Lyons