Unicorns: History, Myths and Legends

In this first lesson, we examine the story of the Maiden and the unicorn and the symbols behind them. Where unicorns are mentioned in the Bible and how unicorns appear in Christian mythology and imagery.

In this lecture you will learn about multiple animals that might have contributed to the legend of the unicorn.

Stories about unicorns can be found from around the world. Magical deer and horse-like creatures with one horn in the middle of the forehead. In many Asian myths story of the unicorn begins with a statement that the unicorn was the first creature that was created and it was the most magnificent and purest creature to wonder on this earth. Asian unicorn was told to be a gentle soul who would not even hurt a fly — quite literally. Unicorns were careful not to crush insects while walking. They did not eat fruits because of the life inside them. Their hooves barely touched the grass when they were running. This might have connections to the concept of ahimsa from Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina religions where one of the main principles is to honour life because all life is sacred.

​In Chinese mythology, Qilin is a hybrid creature who has the body of a deer or a tiger, hooves of a horse, tail of an ox and ahead of a dragon. Its body is also covered with shiny green scales like a fish. There are descriptions that say that Qilin has wings or at least that it has the ability to fly and it has clouds in its feet. Qilin has a single horn growing from its forehead but it is not a straight spiral-shaped horn. Qilin´s horn curves backwards. Qilin was believed to be one of the most benevolent animals who offered protection, comfort, prosperity and guidance for those who respected it. Qilin represents goodness and like other Asian unicorns, it is a gentle soul who does not wish to harm any living beings. Attributes such as wisdom, harmony, purity, knowledge and gentleness are connected to Qilin. It was also told to have the gift of prophecy.

According to Eastern legends, the free and wild unicorn who was also the most gentle of all beings would hide into the mystical other realms until the day would come when mankind would give up on its evil ways. Only then would unicorns appear to men and would allow themselves to be tamed.