The Unicorn - A Case of Mistaken Identity?
Is it possible, that the mighty white horse we think of today as a unicorn is actually a case of mistaken identity?
The unicorn myth could have come from a number of different animal sightings and through years of oral tradition and mythology morphed into the horned horse we think of today.
Image from: World of Unicorns
Elasmotherium
Image from: Dinosoria
The myth could be based on the Elasmotherium, also known as the Giant Unicorn, an Eurasian rhinoceros native to the steppes. The beast was large and shaggy with one long horn protruding from its forehead. This creature was thought to have become extinct in prehistoric times.
Rhinoceros
Image from: Marietta.edu
An obvious culprit (and probably what Marco Polo saw, based on his description), it is highly likely that the rhinoceros is the creature with one horn from which the myth stems. Seeing a rhino face to face for the first time would inspire awe in even the bravest man.
Oryx
Image from: University of Liverpool
Another animal with unicorn potential, the oryx has some long pointy horns and they know how to use them. These animals have similarities to the unicorn of many ancient Asian legends, and when they stand sideways, they appear to have only one horn.
Narwhals
Image from: National Geographic
Probably not the source of the myth itself, still the narwhal carries much of the essence and mystery of the horned unicorn. A sea animal with a long sharp horn sprouting from its forehead. In fact, it is said that the narwhal is actually the unicorn of today, the unicorn evolved.
None of these animals carry quite the romantic connotations of a white horse with a flowing mane and tail, however each one could very well be the real magical unicorn the legends speak of.
If you love unicorns, be sure to check out some cool unicorn art.
November 14th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
[...] be sure to learn more about their history and take a look at some of the animals who may be responsible for their mythological beginnings. Share and [...]
December 30th, 2008 at 5:36 am
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