35 Unicorn Facts to Astonish You
Step into a realm of enchantment as we uncover the secrets of unicorns. From their magical horns to their mythical abilities, these 35 unicorn facts will transport you to a world of wonder.
Unicorn Facts at a Glance
- A unicorn is a mythical horse-like creature with a single spiralled horn.
- The word unicorn means “one horn”, from the Latin uni and cornu.
- A baby unicorn is called a sparkle.
- A unicorn’s horn is called an alicorn.
- The unicorn is the national animal of Scotland.
- National Unicorn Day is April 9.
- In Chinese tradition, the unicorn-like creature is the Qilin.
- The narwhal is nicknamed “the unicorn of the sea”.
- Marco Polo described a “unicorn” that historians believe was a rhinoceros.
- The Siberian unicorn was a real prehistoric animal, a giant horned relative of the rhino.
What Is a Unicorn?
A unicorn is a mythical creature, usually pictured as a white horse with a single spiralled horn growing from its forehead. Unicorns appear in the folklore of many cultures, where the horn, called an alicorn, was believed to heal sickness and purify poisoned water. No unicorn has ever been shown to exist, but the legend is at least 2,500 years old: the Greek writer Ctesias described a one-horned wild ass of India in the 5th century BC.
1. A Baby Unicorn Is Called a Sparkle.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
Baby unicorns are often depicted as having a magical aura that sparkles and shimmers. This is especially true of baby unicorns, who are said to be even more magical than their adult counterparts. In addition to Sparkle, baby unicorns are sometimes called Shimmers, Starlights, and Moonbeams. These unicorn names all reflect the magical and ethereal nature of these creatures.
2. Unicorns Don’t Need Food to Survive.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
Unicorns are mythical creatures, and their mythical nature allows them to have many magical abilities, including the ability to survive without food. While unicorns don’t need food, they certainly like eating.
There are a few different theories about how unicorns might survive without food. One theory is that they can absorb energy from the sun and other natural sources with their horn. Another theory is that they have a special digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from the air or water. Still, another theory is that they can photosynthesize, like plants.
Unicorns are said to have several other magical abilities, such as the power to heal, the ability to fly, and the ability to understand human language. These abilities make them even more powerful and mysterious creatures.
3. The Unicorn Is the National Animal of Scotland.
Fact or folklore? History.
Chosen as the national animal of Scotland, the unicorn symbolizes the country’s rich history, royal heritage, and enduring spirit. In Scottish mythology, the unicorn is closely linked to the royal family, representing their power, virtue, and divine connection. Beyond its mythical significance, the unicorn has become a beloved symbol of Scotland, appearing on everything from national emblems and flags to popular merchandise and souvenirs. Learn more about unicorns in Scotland.
4. National Unicorn Day Is Celebrated on April 9th.
Fact or folklore? History.
National Unicorn Day is a day to celebrate all things unicorn. People participate by dressing up in unicorn costumes, throwing unicorn parties, and enjoying unicorn-themed activities. It’s a great day to learn more about unicorns and their cultural significance.
5. Unicorns Live in Small Family Groups.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
In modern unicorn lore, unicorns usually live in small family groups consisting of four to five family members. This can be a family with parents and their foals, or a group of unicorns can be formed by grown-up unicorns. Living in a family unit fosters strong social bonds between individuals. This can lead to increased cooperation, support, and companionship.
6. Unicorn Tears Are Healing.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
Unicorn tears are magical, and they have healing powers. However, unicorns hardly ever cry, so unicorn tears are extremely rare. The healing properties of unicorn tears are often attributed to their association with purity, innocence, and magic. These qualities are believed to imbue the tears with a special energy or essence that can counteract illness, pain, or injury.
7. Unicorn Blood Is Healing.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
Unicorn blood is healing too, as we have learned in the first novel of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In this novel, Harry Potter found a dead unicorn Voldemort had killed. Voldemort used the unicorn’s blood to regain his powers.
We also learned from Harry Potter, that killing something as innocent as a unicorn curses you for the rest of your life. So, killing a unicorn for its blood is not worth it, and who would do such a horrible thing anyway? (Well, Voldemort would.)
8. Unicorn Mane and Tail Hair Have Healing Properties.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
Unicorn mane and tail hair are said to have healing properties and can be used to create indestructible clothing. However, the power of unicorn hair is believed to be stronger if it is willingly given by the unicorn, compared to hair taken without permission or found accidentally.
9. Harz Mountains Region in Germany Is Known for Unicorn Sightings.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
With forests, mountains, and meadows being prime habitats for unicorns it is no surprise that sightings have occurred in the Harz Mountains in Germany. These mountains have been influenced by various cultures throughout history, including Celtic, Germanic, and Roman.
10. One in Four Unicorns Can Speak.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
In modern unicorn lore, unicorns can understand any human language, so you can speak to a unicorn in your own native language. However, only one in four unicorns can speak in human languages. Just like humans, unicorns might have individual differences in their abilities. Some might be naturally more inclined to communicate with humans, while others might prefer to remain more aloof.
11. Unicorns Are Capable of Telepathy.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
In modern unicorn lore, even the unicorns that can’t speak are able to use telepathy for communication. This means they can transmit thoughts, feelings, and messages directly to each other without using spoken words.
12. A Winged Unicorn is an Offspring of a Unicorn and a Pegasus.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
A winged unicorn is a unicorn with wings that is able to fly and is born when a unicorn and Pegasus mate. The winged unicorn inherits the single, spiraling horn, associated with purity and magic, from the unicorn. From the pegasus, it gains the ability to fly, often symbolized by its majestic wings.
13. Cteasias Described a “One-Horned Wild Ass” in 5th Century BC and Brought the Unicorn Myth to Europe.
Fact or folklore? History.
In his piece of work Indica, Ctesias described a “one-horned wild-ass” with white bodies, dark red heads, and blue eyes. Although the mysterious wild-ass was nothing like the modern unicorn myth, that was the beginning of the unicorn myth in Western culture.
14. Cosmas Indicopleustes Described the Unicorn Horn as a Kind of Airbag in the 6th Century.
Fact or folklore? History.
Cosmas Indicopleustes, a Greek traveler living in the 6th century, described a unicorn as an invincible creature. According to Indicopleustes, a unicorn’s power was in its horn. His theory was, that a unicorn would jump off a cliff to escape from hunters. The unicorn would fall on its head and its horn would cushion the shock like an airbag.
15. Unicorns Can Purify Water with Their Horn.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
According to legend, unicorns can cleanse any water source by dipping their horns into the liquid, making it safe and healthy for drinking. The unicorn’s horn is often depicted as having special magical properties. These properties are believed to be capable of neutralizing impurities and contaminants in water.
The idea of unicorns purifying water carries significant symbolic meaning. Water is often seen as a symbol of life and sustenance. When a unicorn purifies water, it’s seen as an act of preserving life and ensuring the well-being of both humans and animals. This symbolism reinforces the unicorn’s role as a benevolent and magical creature.
16. According to a Legend, Genghis Khan Met a Real Unicorn in 1224.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
During one of his military campaigns, Genghis Khan is said to have encountered a unicorn deep within a mysterious forest. The unicorn spoke to Genghis Khan in his father’s voice and convinced him to call off the invasion of India, warning him of the dangers that awaited.
17. According to an Old Myth, a Lion Can Only Beat a Unicorn by Standing in Front of a Tree.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
The myth suggests that the lion cannot defeat the unicorn due to the unicorn’s powerful horn. To overcome this advantage, the lion is said to lure the unicorn into charging towards it, but at the last moment, the lion jumps aside, causing the unicorn’s horn to become lodged in a tree.
18. The Chinese Unicorn Is Called Qilin.
Fact or folklore? History.
The Chinese unicorn is a dragon-like creature that avoids harming any life forms. It’s considered one of the most auspicious and benevolent creatures in Chinese culture. The Qilin is typically depicted with the body of a deer, the tail of a cow, the hooves of a horse, and the scales of a dragon. It often has a single horn on its forehead, similar to a unicorn.
19. The Middle-Eastern Unicorn Is Called Karkadann.
Fact or folklore? History.
Karkadann is a fierce but benevolent creature. It loves all women, not just virgins like the Western unicorn traditionally does. It is often depicted as a large, horned creature with a rhinoceros-like appearance and may have a single horn or multiple horns.
20. Siberian Unicorn Was a Real Animal.
Fact or folklore? History.
The Siberian unicorn, also known as the woolly rhinoceros, was a real prehistoric animal that roamed the Earth during the Pleistocene epoch. It was a massive animal, reaching up to 10 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing around 8,000 pounds. Its most distinctive feature was its large, straight horn, which could grow up to 2 feet long.
21. Narwhal Is Called “the Unicorn of the Sea”.
Fact or folklore? History.
Narwhals, often called the “unicorns of the sea,” are fascinating marine mammals that belong to the dolphin family. Their distinctive feature is their long, spiraled tusk, which protrude from their upper lip. This tusk, often mistaken for a horn, has given them the nickname “unicorns of the sea.”
22. There Is a Vintage “Unicorn Car” Called La Licorne.
Fact or folklore? History.
The French “La Licorne” car, manufactured between 1901 and 1949, was a distinctive automobile. It didn’t just have a whimsical name; the company’s official emblem was a unicorn. Adverts often featured the mythical beast. The brand was relatively successful in its time, producing various models, including sports cars. However, like many independent automakers, it couldn’t survive the post-World War II economic shifts.
23. The Unicorn Horn is Called an Alicorn.
Fact or folklore? History.
This term refers specifically to the horn of a unicorn. In medieval and Renaissance Europe, alicorn was widely believed to possess miraculous powers, particularly as a universal antidote to poison. Nobles and royalty would seek out supposed alicorn for protection, and many European royal treasuries boasted of owning an alicorn (most, in reality, were narwhal tusks or the horns of other animals). This myth was deeply intertwined with folklore about the unicorn’s purity.
24. Marco Polo Claimed He Saw a Unicorn.
Fact or folklore? History.
During his famous travels along the Silk Road, the Venetian explorer Marco Polo recorded an encounter with what he called a “unicorn.” He described it as having a hide like a buffalo, feet like an elephant, and a huge black horn in the middle of its forehead. Far from being a gentle creature, he noted it was dangerous and often found in mud. Modern historians are certain he was describing a rhinoceros, likely a Javan or Sumatran Rhino. This account shows how travelers tried to make sense of new animals using familiar myths.
25. Unicorns Are Symbols of Purity, Innocence, and Magic.
Fact or folklore? History.
Throughout Western literature and art, particularly during the Middle Ages, unicorns became potent symbols of purity, innocence, and divine grace. In Christian allegory, the unicorn was often a metaphor for Christ. The myth that only a pure-hearted virgin could tame it further reinforced this symbolic connection. It was thought to avoid any contact with impurities and could only be captured using gentleness and truth.
26. Unicorns Can Tell the Truth from a Lie.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
Legends suggest the unicorn is a natural protector of the truth. It is said that unicorns have the inherent magical ability to tell the difference between a truth and a lie. A classic myth involves a unicorn using its powerful horn to touch the ground of a person accused of a crime. If the accused was innocent, the person remained unharmed. If they were guilty, the unicorn would expose the lie, often through a magical effect from its horn.
27. Unicorns Can Grant Wishes.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
While not the main element of most ancient unicorn folklore, later stories often imbue the creature with the power to grant wishes. This is usually tied back to the magic of the unicorn’s horn. Crucially, unicorns are depicted as wise and just, meaning they will only grant wishes that are pure of heart and unselfish. They are said to grant wishes sparingly and only to those who demonstrate true humility and need.
28. Antarctica Is the Only Continent Where Unicorns Can’t Be Found at all.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
While unicorns are mythical, if we consider where their legends have arisen, Antarctica is the one continent entirely void of unicorn folklore. This, of course, is because no human civilizations existed on the continent to create myths about its wildlife until the modern era, making it the only place on Earth where a native unicorn legend could not have possibly developed.
29. Unicorns Are Traditionally White, but They Can Be Any Color.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
Although the common modern image of a unicorn is a pristine, pure white horse with a spiraling horn, older legends and depictions often describe them with a wider range of physical attributes. Historical texts have described them as having red heads, blue eyes, and bodies that are dark or deep brown, alongside the white varieties. In modern fantasy, they are said to be any color of the rainbow.
30. The Japanese Unicorn Is Called Kirin.
Fact or folklore? History.
The Kirin (or Qilin in Chinese) is East Asia’s answer to the unicorn. It’s often depicted as a chimera with a deer-like body, a single spiraling horn, scales like a dragon, and a horse’s hooves. Considered the “king of all beasts,” it is a gentle and sacred animal, said to appear only at the arrival of a truly great ruler or during times of peace. It’s also an omen of imminent prosperity.
31. Unicorns Can Run at the Speed of Sound.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
Some myths suggest that unicorns possess supernatural swiftness. This is sometimes said to be so great that they are faster than any human-made conveyance. In modern fantasy, they can run faster than the speed of sound. This incredible speed is often described as being so graceful that it feels effortless, and the animal leaves no trace of its presence behind.
32. Unicorns Live for Hundreds of Years.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
While most myths don’t specify an exact number of years, unicorns are generally understood to be exceptionally long-lived, if not outright immortal. Their long lifespans are a direct result of their profound connection to magic. This ensures they can fulfill their role as guardians of natural spaces for generations.
33. You Should Not Give Unicorn a Mirror.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
This belief has less basis in ancient lore and more in modern pop culture, portraying the unicorn with a touch of narcissism. The idea is that a unicorn’s immense beauty is so great that it can become entranced by its own reflection, potentially staring for hours in self-admiration.
34. Unicorns Rarely Allow People to Ride Them.
Fact or folklore? Legend.
A central part of unicorn folklore is their wild, untamable nature. Most versions state that a unicorn cannot be tamed or ridden by any standard means. The only exception is the tradition that a pure-hearted young woman can tame a unicorn. Later folklore modified this to state they would only accept female riders, preferably virgins, as a way to further emphasize the unicorn’s connection to purity.
35. Unicorns Need Sleep, but Only a Couple of Hours a Day.
Fact or folklore? Just for fun.
In modern unicorn lore, while unicorns do need sleep to maintain their physical bodies, unicorns only require a couple of hours of rest per day. Their natural magical energy sustains them and allows them to recharge very quickly, making them efficient protectors of their environment.
Which Unicorn Fact Astonished You the Most?
These were the amazing unicorn facts I wanted to share with you. Which unicorn fact astonished you the most? Please let me know in the comment section below!
Sources:
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Shepard, Odell. The Lore of the Unicorn. George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1930. (This seminal work is a comprehensive source on unicorn history, legends, and cultural impact.)
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“Alicorn.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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Polo, Marco. The Travels of Marco Polo. Translated by Ronald Latham, Penguin Books, 1958.
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“Japanese Mythology.” World History Encyclopedia.
Unicorn Facts: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a baby unicorn called?
A sparkle. Baby unicorns are also called shimmers, starlights and moonbeams in modern unicorn lore.
What is a unicorn’s horn called?
An alicorn. In medieval and Renaissance Europe, alicorn was believed to neutralise poison, and most prized “alicorns” in royal treasuries were actually narwhal tusks.
Are unicorns real?
Unicorns as magical horses are mythical. But real animals fed the legend: the Siberian unicorn was a real prehistoric horned animal, narwhal tusks were sold as unicorn horns, and travellers like Marco Polo described rhinos as unicorns.
Why is the unicorn the national animal of Scotland?
The unicorn stood for purity, strength and Scotland’s untameable spirit, and it has appeared in Scottish royal heraldry for centuries, which is why it endures as the national animal today.
Lots of cool facts here, but I actually didn’t know Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn. I also didn’t know that the Siberian Unicorn existed. I just looked it up to see what it looked like and it kind of looks terrifying compared to what unicorns are portrayed as today lol. Looks fascinating, but wouldn’t want to cross paths with one in the wild, if they were still around.
Hi Nate,
You´re right, the Siberian unicorn wasn’t very pretty. It looked like a rhino, but actually uglier than a rhino, because I think rhinos are kind of cute. Like many animals in the Ice Age, the Siberian unicorn was huge and hairy. The only reason they call it a “unicorn” is the horn on its forehead.
Okay, I took the test and got 6 of 7 correct (only one in 4 can speak with humans?). That is actually better than I thought I would do. I guess all those hours playing with the girls so many years ago when they were young daughters learning about the world stuck!
It could be that I am just lucky too because I think the girls used to make up the rules for the unicorns and what powers they had and what they could do. They were very powerful as I remember! Much more than the real unicorns perhaps, but we together decided that our unicorns were special.
The quiz was a fun activity and although I did not share it I got a lot of enjoyment from this post. I am a better unicorn fan from the quiz and a better informed one too. Thanks for making my day, and that is yet another power that unicorns have (brighten your day!)…
Hello Dave,
Well done, 6 out of 7 is an excellent result! Thanks for sharing it with us.
I´m sure you’ve learnt a lot about unicorns from your daughters. Even if your daughters made up some of the unicorn powers, they actually might have been right about them, because each unicorn has unique powers. Some unicorns might have powers we don’t even know about. The unicorn power you mentioned, brightening your day, is probably my favorite!
Unicorns are very popular right now. I think it’s because we need to believe in magic in theses troubled and turbulent times.
It does make you wonder if there were such actual living creatures as pictures were found in early Mesopotamian artworks. There were also references to them in ancient myths of China and India.
Stories about them supposedly began 2,000 years ago in ancient Greece. So there must have been something similar living in ancient times.
Thank you, I enjoyed the post, very interesting.
I agree, in the modern world with so many problems we need unicorn magic more than ever.
Yes, in ancient Greece unicorns were mentioned as part of natural history. So, they were considered real animals. Some of the old unicorn references were actually rhinos; people didn’t know what unicorns look like, so they confused rhinos with unicorns. But maybe there were some other animals too, animals that were more like how we imagine unicorns.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. 🙂
My daughter’s friend loved rhinos and thought of them as magical. I looked up Fueng shui and Chinese lore and indeed rhinos are protective of young daughters. Similar in appearance to Siberian unicorn, and some protection magic too. Afterwards I bought my daughter a pair of carved rhino to hang by her window protecting her in her sleep. The one horned animals seem to be viewed as rare. The modern unicorn is gorgeous, sparkly, mythical, magical, and helps bring romance and fantasy into our lives.🦄
Wow, I didn’t know rhinos have protective magic too. It makes sense, since they were an inspiration for the unicorn myth in the first place. Thanks for sharing!
How charmingly whimsical.
So, I am curious… how often are new unicorns born? Did they originate in Scotland? How widespread over the world are they? Do they only live in colder climates? Do they stay with one partner for life? What kind of magic can they do? Are they really angels’ messengers?
I guess I have to bookmark this site and check back by for the answers.
A life well lived needs whimsey. I appreciate this work.
Mike
Thanks, Mike!
I haven´t found the answer how often new unicorns are born. I just know they are not born very often, because the right circumstances don´t take place too often. However, unicorns do live quite long, at least hundreds of years.
Unicorns didn’t originate from Scotland. There are different stories about the first unicorns. According to one I have heard, the first unicorns were born in Himalayas.
Unicorns live around the world, even in cold climate. They even live here in Finland. Unicorns are most widespread in Europe. They also live in North and South America, East and South East Asia, India, Africa, Arabian peninsula and Australia. So, they exist on every continent, except for Antarctica.
As far as I´m aware of, unicorns do live their whole lives with one partner, when they find the right one.
Each unicorn has unique magical powers, but the common ones include ability to purify water, healing wounds and illnesses, granting wishes, extraordinary speed and strength, ability to run for days without exhaustion and ability to get energy directly from the sun.
No, unicorns are not angels’ messengers. Unicorns make their own decisions and live according to their own guidelines, which are, of course, very pure and noble.
I’m surprised that you left out one of the coolest facts. A group of Unicorns is called a Blessing!
Thank you❣️We’ll have to add that one to the list. What a perfect description to call a group of Unicorns 🦄