Unicorns have been part of mythology and folklore for centuries, representing purity and grace. They are said to be magical creatures with the head and body of a horse and a single horn protruding from their forehead. In modern times, unicorns have become popular symbols of fantasy, representing all that is good and beautiful in the world. Here are the Top 10 Facts about unicorns that you need to know.
1. A unicorn is a mythical creature!
Have you ever seen a unicorn? We havenโt either!
They are mythical creatures.
Mythical creatures can originate from stories, word of mouth, books, films and more!
They often have magic powers and abilitiesโฆ
There are other mythical creatures like mermaids, gnomes and vampires!
Can you think of any others?
2. Unicorns have one horn in the middle of their head!
Unicorns look very similar to a horse.
The main difference is their big horn!
Itโs in the middle of their head.
If youโve ever wondered what a unicorn horn is called.. itโs called an alicorn!
3. They are Scotlandโs national animal.
Did you know that Scotlandโs national is the unicorn?
William I was the first Royal to use it in the 12th century!
It is believed that the mythical creature is their national animal because itโs a symbol of purity, innocence, masculinity and power.
4. Unicorns have blue or purple eyes.
Have you ever seen a unicornโs eyes?
Weโre going to let you into a secretโฆ
They are often blue or purple!
So keep a look outโฆ
Learn how to protect your eyes below!
5. Ancient Greeks were the first people to write about unicorns.
Unicorns have been around for years!
In fact, they were first written about by the Ancient Greeks in around 400 BCE.
The first ever man to write about them was called Ctesias.
He was a Greek historian!
6. Pharmacies sold powdered unicorn horns.
Years ago, in the Middle Ages, people believed that unicorns could be used for healing.
They believed that unicorn horns would heal sickness and woundsโฆ and even stop the effects of poison.
In London pharmacies, powdered unicorn horns were sold until 1741 for aches and pains!
Obviously unicorns are very rareโฆ so they would use a walrus or rhino horn.
7. Baby unicorns are called sparkles.
Did you know that a baby unicorn has a name?
A bit like a dogs are puppies and cats are kittens!
The name for a baby unicorn is a sparkle!
8. Unicorns donโt have wings.
If youโre trying to spot a unicorn, then this might help!
Unicorns donโt have wings.
If you have seen one with wings then it was probably a different mythical creature called a Pegasus.
9. The word unicorn comes from Latin.
Lots of words come from Latin, including โunicornโ!
Uni comes from โลซnusโ which means one.
Corn comes from โcornuโ which means horn!
10. Unicorns have magical powers!
It is believed that unicorns have magical powers.
One of their main powers is to heal wounds!
Their power is meant to be located in their horn (or alicorn โ as we learnt earlier)!
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