Unicorns are one of the most friendly, magical, gentle creatures that grace toy shelves, come to life in picture books and star in children's television shows. Embracing a world full of mystical creatures can cultivate a child's sense of wonder and comfort in imaginary play. The origin of unicorns can be traced back to the earliest civilizations with carvings of giant beasts with horse-like bodies and a large, pointed horns projecting from the tops of their heads. Some historians have found representations of the mythical animals in religious drawings and written works. Here are some fascinating unicorn facts kids will be interested in reading.
Background and History of Unicorns
Unicorns are friendly creatures that possess healing powers through their magical horns. Be sure to check out the most adorable plush gifts for little ones who love these magical creatures. Here is some incredible unicorn history for children with imaginations that stretch deep into a land of fantasy. Celtic mythology, from which the most popular version of unicorns in children's books and movies is derived, presents the unicorn as a symbol of purity, innocence, and magic. Learn all about this mystical creature's special powers and roles in mythology, movies, and legends.
What Unicorns Symbolize
Chinese culture recognizes unicorns as a spiritual creature.
The phoenix, tortoise, dragon, and unicorn are the four cornerstones of good luck in China. The Chinese philosopher Confucius believed that the appearance of a unicorn symbolized either the birth or death of a well-regarded individual. In fact, there is a Chinese unicorn called Chi Linthat represents a life of good fortune and longevity. This belief aligns with the attributes modern day society associates with unicorns- wisdom, good fortune, compassion, and healing.
At one point in time, wealthy nobles paid a high price for a unicorn's horn, called an alicorn.
They believed these horns would give them good luck, healing, and even the ability to fly. In reality, the horns they purchased belonged to narwhals or rhinos. Members of the royal family reputedly paid huge sums of money, equal to the price of a castle. A fully intact unicorn horn represented a symbol of wealth and prestige. But even more important, the horns were considered the most effective and powerful defense against plague and disease, much more progressive than other medicine available during that time.
Unicorns are considered the national animal of Scotland.
There are tales of dominance and chivalry associated with the unicorn, dating many centuries ago. This is the likely reason why Scotland chose as the official animal of the country sometime during the 15th century.
The association of unicorns with rainbows is a modern day development.
Images of unicorns riding rainbows or creating colorful arcs as they fly through the sky is an invention of recent children's television shows and picture books. A common phrase "rainbows and unicorns" is often used to represent a perfect, albeit unrealistic, circumstances or events in life. The association of these two magical symbols is used to convey a happy ending to a story where a character may have faced a variety of trials and tribulations.
Special Unicorn Powers
A white unicorn is believed to grant eternal happiness to whomever can get close enough to touch it.
Anyone who is lucky enough to encounter a white unicorn will be blessed with happiness for the rest of their lives. In addition to happiness, white unicorns are associated with purity, virginity and innocence. They are thought to purify poison water and possess incredible powers of healing.
Pharmacies sold powdered medicine made from unicorn horns.
In the 16th century, pharmacists in London capitalized on the widespread belief in the healing power unicorns. They sold a concoction to the masses who hoped the unicorn powder would cure them of disease and illness. It was thought to be a fix for a long list of ailments, but only rich people could afford it. The unicorn's horn was reduced to powder and mixed with pearl, ivory and grains, all rare and expensive ingredients.Since unicorn horns were often difficult to come by, the horns of a walrus or rhinoceros were often used as a substitute.
In mythology, unicorns derive their energy by absorbing sunlight through their horns.
According to some unicorn experts, you'll never see them eating grass or other food consumed by more ordinary animals. However, these mystical beings are also often portrayed nibbling on grass and chewing on a variety of berries. They are adaptable beings to adjust their diets based on their habitat, according to members of the unicorn society.
Unicorns live for more than 1,000 years.
What is most intriguing about the lifespan of unicorns is their ability to hang onto youth until right before passing away. The secret to lies in the magical powers stored in their horns. Legends report these creatures turn silver in color around two years of age, horns grow in at age four, and they reach full adulthood by age seven. At this point, they turn a pure white color for the rest of their lives.
Proof That Unicorns Are Real
Ancient Greek civilizations believed unicorns were real.
A few prominent Ancient Greek academics professed to see unicorns with their own eyes. They spoke to the people about the existence of these beings in a distant place called India, somewhere so far away it almost seemed like a fantasy world. For this reason, unicorns are not written about in Greek mythology because they were not believed to be magical, mythical creatures. Rather, unicorns are written about in natural history books by Greek authors about India.
A skull fossil found in Kazakhstan is the closest representation to a real unicorn.
This animal roamed Earth about 29,000 years ago and looked more like a rhinoceros than a horse. Referred to as a Siberian Unicorn, this animal was originally thought to be extinct as far back as 350,000 years, but it turns out the beast roamed the face of the earth for a much longer period of time. Standing 6 feet tall, extending 15 feet long, and weighing in at a whopping 9,000 pounds, this beast has been likened to a woolly mammoth. The only physical feature it shared with unicorns was the sharp horn protruding from its head.
More Unicorn Trivia
Unicorns do not have wings.
Contrary to popular belief, unicorns actually cannot fly. They trot, gallop, and bounce around on the ground. The horn's magical powers are used for healing others and not for taking flight. Many confuse unicorns with with the mythological creature Pegasus, which has a horse's body as well as magnificent wings allowing it to fly high across the sky. More recent literature has introduced a Pegacorn, a creature with a unicorn's horn and the wings of Pegasus.
Baby unicorns are called sparkles.
This name was affectionately assigned to newborn unicorns because of their colorful, sparkly appearance. Sparkles is also a common name for unicorns in children's books and movies. A more scientific name for a baby unicorn is a foal, since their bodies are similar to horses.
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle is the best-selling novel about this creature.
Published in 1968, more than 6 million copies of The Last Unicorn have been sold worldwide in no fewer than 25 different languages. A variety of polls consistently rank the title amongst the top ten best fantasy novels of all time. The story is about a legendary creature who is led to believe she is the very last of her kind to roam the earth. She sets off on a quest in search of other unicorns, only to find that humans see her as a beautiful white mare, rather than her true identity. Along her journey, the unicorn encounters many challenges teaching her about love, life, and mortality.
