Unicorn horn

Unicorn Horn

Unicorn horns on display

A unicorn horn, also known as an alicorn, is a legendary object that is said to possess magical properties. In mythology, the unicorn is a horse-like creature with a single, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead. The horn of the unicorn has been a subject of fascination and speculation throughout history, often attributed with the power to purify water and heal sickness.

Historical Beliefs

In the Middle Ages, unicorn horns were highly prized and believed to be capable of detecting poison and curing various ailments. The belief in the horn's powers was so strong that it became a symbol of purity and grace. Monarchs and nobility sought unicorn horns as a status symbol and for their supposed protective qualities.

Coronation chair with unicorn horn elements

Unicorn horns were often displayed in royal treasuries and were sometimes used in the creation of ceremonial objects. For example, the coronation chair of Denmark is said to incorporate unicorn horn elements, symbolizing the divine right of kings.

Trade and Imitations

During the Renaissance, the trade in unicorn horns flourished. However, many of these "horns" were actually the tusks of narwhals, a type of whale with a long, spiraled tooth. The narwhal tusks were often sold as genuine unicorn horns, fetching high prices due to their rarity and the myths surrounding them.

Depiction of a unicorn in art by Hieronymus Bosch

Cultural Depictions

Unicorns and their horns have been depicted in various forms of art and literature. Artists like Hieronymus Bosch included unicorns in their works, often symbolizing purity and otherworldly beauty. The unicorn's horn, in particular, was a focal point in these depictions, emphasizing its mystical attributes.

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary culture, the unicorn horn continues to be a symbol of magic and fantasy. It appears in fantasy literature, films, and video games, often retaining its association with healing and purity. The enduring fascination with unicorns and their horns reflects humanity's ongoing interest in the mystical and the unknown.

Unicorn horn in the Weltliche Schatzkammer, Vienna

Related Pages

• Unicorn
• Narwhal
• Mythical creatures
• Medieval medicine