|
This
single horned creature resembling a horse, possibly originating from
India, is pure white and symbol of purity, both physical and spiritual.
The Unicorn was believed to have drowned in the Flood because it missed
the Ark. The legend may have been encouraged by people living on the
coast where they discovered the long spear shaped horn of the narwhal,
a member of the whale family.
Unearthed bones of prehistoric animals could have also encouraged the
Unicorn myth.
In medieval tapestries, the Unicorn was commonly depicted being chased,
or lured by a beautiful young woman whom it was supposed to find irresistible.
In heraldry the unicorn is represented as a creature with the body of
a horse, beard of a goat, tail of a lion and the famous single horn
growing from the centre of its forehead.
|
