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Single horned creature resembling a horse, possibly originating
from India. A pure white creature, it is a symbol of purity, both physical
and spiritual.
The Unicorn was believed to be drowned in the Flood
because it missed the Ark and 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.
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