unicorn

A unicorn is a mythical creature typically depicted as a horse-like animal with a single spiraled horn projecting from its forehead. The horn is often described as ivory-colored and is believed in legend to possess magical properties. In Western folklore the unicorn is associated with purity and grace, though similar horned creatures appear in various cultural traditions.

Description and variants: In medieval and Renaissance art, unicorns are usually shown as white horses with a lion’s tail and cloven hooves, but representations vary by region and era. The horn, sometimes called an alicorn, is central to the creature’s legend and is said to have healing powers and the ability to detect poison. Folklore also ties the unicorn to virginity, a motif that appears in Christian art and literature.

Historical sources and symbolism: The name unicorn derives from Latin unicornis, from unus “one” and cornu “horn.” Early written references appear in Greek and Roman texts, where the beast is described as a wild animal with a single horn. In medieval bestiaries the unicorn’s elusive nature is elaborated, along with legends about taming it only through contact with a virgin. In heraldry the unicorn serves as a symbol of virtue and strength; the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom, for example, feature a unicorn as a heraldic supporter.

Modern usage and cultural impact: Today, unicorns appear in fantasy literature, film, toys, and branding. The term unicorn is also used in business to describe a startup valued at a billion dollars or more. While prominent in contemporary culture, the unicorn remains a mythical creature with no evidence of real-world existence.