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I'm just doing this in a summary format. ^_^
Color: Unicorns are usually depicted as white creatures, though sometimes the color varies. The kilin of China and the Kirin of Japan possess a bright rainbow of colors, but they are also scaley and appear more serpentine. White is a color often associated with purity. Other colors and dirt are very apparent on white. White does not hide anything. In some cultures white is associated with the purity of youth/childhood/new life and sometimes it is associated with death (the absence of life). Often the color of the unicorn's horn changes (for instance, white-purple-red) and there is sometimes a ruby at the base of the horn. The ruby/red demonstrates the blood of life. Sometimes the blood of a unicorn is portrayed as silver, emphasizing its non-physical, spiritual component.
Body: The body of the unicorn is often attributed as being horse-like or antelope-like. The size and precise shape of the body often differs, but the unicorn is always portrayed as having four legs and a long torso. The feet are usually hooved, often cloven. And the legs are often compared to those of a stag. The tail can be that of a lion. Usually the colors white and silver predominate. Sometimes gold, as well, and the unicorn is often linked to the sun and light in general.
Horn: Considered a sign of virility, the male aspect contrasted with the elegant female aspect represented in the unicorn's typically soft, quiet demeanor and receptive nature. The unicorn is androgynous, both yin and yang. Swift, strong, and fierce as well as kind, gentle, and nurturing. The horn is considered to have the ability to heal and also the source of aggression the unicorn uses to defend itself against predators/hunters or to defend the truth. Sometimes the horn is thought to absorb the sun's light energy, feeding the unicorn. In this case, the unicorn does not need to eat. In myths where the unicorn is more physical it tends to eat an herbivore diet. The length, color, and appearance of the horn can vary, just like the rest of the unicorn's body.
Virgins: Purity can be represented in many different ways, virginity being one of them (a type of "purity of body"). The unicorns' love of virgins dates back well before Christianity. The only reason that this is often attributed to Christianity is because the symbolic nature of virginity became used to uphold specific tenants of Christianity, though these tenants are common to most patriarchal societies. For instance, ancient Greece and Rome possessed many Gods and Goddesses, most of which weren't virgins and the ones that were virgins weren't necessarily seen as more "goodly." However, virginity did often represent innocence, a childlike nature, seclusion from certain aspects of life, etc.
Also, when the unicorn became associated with Christ the allegory of the unicorn and the virgin made complete sense. Christ is associated with the sun, light, purity, and God. The unicorn is often seen as one of the beasts close to God. Christ rests in the lap of the Virgin Mary just like the unicorn does in the lap of a pure-hearted virgin. Even if Christianity did not link virginity and virtue, this image of unicorns in the laps of virgins is very appropriate for Christian mythos. Usually the maiden does not meet the unicorn's standards only by being a virgin, but also must have a pure heart.
Another allegory in my mind (that has nothing to do with any actual conclusions others made on the topic, it's just my opinion) is between the Greek gods Apollo and Artemis. In early Christianity the portrayal of Christ was based off of Apollo, the Sun God. His twin sister, Artemis, was known for her virginity. In some of the myths they had an intensely close relationship. For instance, in some myths of Orion it is said that Artemis grew very close to Orion through their hunting excursions and to put an end to their intense relationship, Apollo killed Orion. Most likely to protect Artemis's virginity. These archetypes of light forces connected to virginity/purity can be found in many societies.
Considering many myths of unicorns are thousands of years old (dating to at least 4th century BC), translations can be problematic. What we think of as virgin could simply mean maidenhood as a whole (unmarried, still in youth, inexperienced, new to the world and seeing everything through an innocent lens), chastity, or the pure of heart. If the unicorn is a creature close to God, possibly not entirely bound by the physical, it is likely to be on a higher vibration level and be strongly connected to light and purity. Virginity is often a symbol for purity because it relates to being physically untouched in a way. Unicorns are also physically untouched in that they hide from humanity, prefer purity in nature, and are bound closely to God.
Purity: Innocence and purity are often symbolized by the unicorn. Purity can be represented in many different ways, virginity being one of them (a type of "purity of body").
Truth: Some unicorn myths portray unicorns as more fierce than others. Some portray them as always demure and complacent and very receptive. A symbol of good fortune and sometimes prophecy. They always possess a love of innocence, purity, and truth. However, sometimes unicorns are said to become aggressive. They can tear people apart with their horn if a person is dishonest. For instance, someone pretending to be a virgin to lure the unicorn to her. I don't see the issue of virginity as having nearly as much importance here as truth and trust. Sometimes unicorns are seen as the judges of truth, seeking out the deceitful (such as the Japanese Kirin). I believe truth, purity, and innocence are closely intertwined. Someone innocent would have no reason to deceive. This naivete is reflected in the unicorn who, though highly intelligent and spiritual, can be caught through it's trust in maidens. In some stories the maidens that help the unicorns be captured and killed do so unknowingly.
Unicorns also are said to prefer purity in nature. They enjoy pure water and prefer quiet forests where they can hide. Humanity is a danger to them, as are sometimes predatory animals. Lions, for instance, have been depicted with unicorns since ancient Persia.
Pride: Pride is also sometimes associated with unicorns, often in a more negative light. One version of Noah's Ark, the bibilical tale, states that the unicorn refused to go onto the ark and therefore drowned. In another the unicorn possessed a special place in the heart of God and humans, being the first four-legged beast named by Adam. After the Expulsion from Eden, the unicorn chose to follow Adam and Even out of love and companionship. The unicorn is sometimes seen as self-centered, due to its solitary nature and desire for to be surrounded by those as pure as himself. But it is humbled before those who are. The unicorn's pride is more prominent in some myths than others and often is not present at all. Usually the unicorn holds no malice except to those that are deceitful or threatening. Unicorns sometimes are thought to be jealous and possessive.
Spiritual Nature: The unicorn is usually seen as a mix between a a non-physical, spiritual being and a physical creature. It is said to possess great intelligence, telepathic/psychic/prophetic powers, and an etheral beauty and grace. Although they look like physical animals, I think part of the charm and beauty associated with them is something indescribable and related to its intense spiritual eseence. The magical powers of their horns and associations with God/light energy make them appear brilliant and somewhat foreign. Unicorns are shy and elusive, only appearing before a few individuals for either a specific purpose or out of affection for another creature they identify with in core spiritual essence.
Color: Unicorns are usually depicted as white creatures, though sometimes the color varies. The kilin of China and the Kirin of Japan possess a bright rainbow of colors, but they are also scaley and appear more serpentine. White is a color often associated with purity. Other colors and dirt are very apparent on white. White does not hide anything. In some cultures white is associated with the purity of youth/childhood/new life and sometimes it is associated with death (the absence of life). Often the color of the unicorn's horn changes (for instance, white-purple-red) and there is sometimes a ruby at the base of the horn. The ruby/red demonstrates the blood of life. Sometimes the blood of a unicorn is portrayed as silver, emphasizing its non-physical, spiritual component.
Body: The body of the unicorn is often attributed as being horse-like or antelope-like. The size and precise shape of the body often differs, but the unicorn is always portrayed as having four legs and a long torso. The feet are usually hooved, often cloven. And the legs are often compared to those of a stag. The tail can be that of a lion. Usually the colors white and silver predominate. Sometimes gold, as well, and the unicorn is often linked to the sun and light in general.
Horn: Considered a sign of virility, the male aspect contrasted with the elegant female aspect represented in the unicorn's typically soft, quiet demeanor and receptive nature. The unicorn is androgynous, both yin and yang. Swift, strong, and fierce as well as kind, gentle, and nurturing. The horn is considered to have the ability to heal and also the source of aggression the unicorn uses to defend itself against predators/hunters or to defend the truth. Sometimes the horn is thought to absorb the sun's light energy, feeding the unicorn. In this case, the unicorn does not need to eat. In myths where the unicorn is more physical it tends to eat an herbivore diet. The length, color, and appearance of the horn can vary, just like the rest of the unicorn's body.
Virgins: Purity can be represented in many different ways, virginity being one of them (a type of "purity of body"). The unicorns' love of virgins dates back well before Christianity. The only reason that this is often attributed to Christianity is because the symbolic nature of virginity became used to uphold specific tenants of Christianity, though these tenants are common to most patriarchal societies. For instance, ancient Greece and Rome possessed many Gods and Goddesses, most of which weren't virgins and the ones that were virgins weren't necessarily seen as more "goodly." However, virginity did often represent innocence, a childlike nature, seclusion from certain aspects of life, etc.
Also, when the unicorn became associated with Christ the allegory of the unicorn and the virgin made complete sense. Christ is associated with the sun, light, purity, and God. The unicorn is often seen as one of the beasts close to God. Christ rests in the lap of the Virgin Mary just like the unicorn does in the lap of a pure-hearted virgin. Even if Christianity did not link virginity and virtue, this image of unicorns in the laps of virgins is very appropriate for Christian mythos. Usually the maiden does not meet the unicorn's standards only by being a virgin, but also must have a pure heart.
Another allegory in my mind (that has nothing to do with any actual conclusions others made on the topic, it's just my opinion) is between the Greek gods Apollo and Artemis. In early Christianity the portrayal of Christ was based off of Apollo, the Sun God. His twin sister, Artemis, was known for her virginity. In some of the myths they had an intensely close relationship. For instance, in some myths of Orion it is said that Artemis grew very close to Orion through their hunting excursions and to put an end to their intense relationship, Apollo killed Orion. Most likely to protect Artemis's virginity. These archetypes of light forces connected to virginity/purity can be found in many societies.
Considering many myths of unicorns are thousands of years old (dating to at least 4th century BC), translations can be problematic. What we think of as virgin could simply mean maidenhood as a whole (unmarried, still in youth, inexperienced, new to the world and seeing everything through an innocent lens), chastity, or the pure of heart. If the unicorn is a creature close to God, possibly not entirely bound by the physical, it is likely to be on a higher vibration level and be strongly connected to light and purity. Virginity is often a symbol for purity because it relates to being physically untouched in a way. Unicorns are also physically untouched in that they hide from humanity, prefer purity in nature, and are bound closely to God.
Purity: Innocence and purity are often symbolized by the unicorn. Purity can be represented in many different ways, virginity being one of them (a type of "purity of body").
Truth: Some unicorn myths portray unicorns as more fierce than others. Some portray them as always demure and complacent and very receptive. A symbol of good fortune and sometimes prophecy. They always possess a love of innocence, purity, and truth. However, sometimes unicorns are said to become aggressive. They can tear people apart with their horn if a person is dishonest. For instance, someone pretending to be a virgin to lure the unicorn to her. I don't see the issue of virginity as having nearly as much importance here as truth and trust. Sometimes unicorns are seen as the judges of truth, seeking out the deceitful (such as the Japanese Kirin). I believe truth, purity, and innocence are closely intertwined. Someone innocent would have no reason to deceive. This naivete is reflected in the unicorn who, though highly intelligent and spiritual, can be caught through it's trust in maidens. In some stories the maidens that help the unicorns be captured and killed do so unknowingly.
Unicorns also are said to prefer purity in nature. They enjoy pure water and prefer quiet forests where they can hide. Humanity is a danger to them, as are sometimes predatory animals. Lions, for instance, have been depicted with unicorns since ancient Persia.
Pride: Pride is also sometimes associated with unicorns, often in a more negative light. One version of Noah's Ark, the bibilical tale, states that the unicorn refused to go onto the ark and therefore drowned. In another the unicorn possessed a special place in the heart of God and humans, being the first four-legged beast named by Adam. After the Expulsion from Eden, the unicorn chose to follow Adam and Even out of love and companionship. The unicorn is sometimes seen as self-centered, due to its solitary nature and desire for to be surrounded by those as pure as himself. But it is humbled before those who are. The unicorn's pride is more prominent in some myths than others and often is not present at all. Usually the unicorn holds no malice except to those that are deceitful or threatening. Unicorns sometimes are thought to be jealous and possessive.
Spiritual Nature: The unicorn is usually seen as a mix between a a non-physical, spiritual being and a physical creature. It is said to possess great intelligence, telepathic/psychic/prophetic powers, and an etheral beauty and grace. Although they look like physical animals, I think part of the charm and beauty associated with them is something indescribable and related to its intense spiritual eseence. The magical powers of their horns and associations with God/light energy make them appear brilliant and somewhat foreign. Unicorns are shy and elusive, only appearing before a few individuals for either a specific purpose or out of affection for another creature they identify with in core spiritual essence.
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Date: 2005-03-10 08:03 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2005-03-10 08:04 pm (UTC)From: