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| The '''unicorn''' is a ] shaped like a horse but with a single, spiral horn growing out of its forehead. | The '''unicorn''' is a ] shaped like a horse but with a single, spiral horn growing out of its forehead. | ||
| In medieval times, a unicorn was occasionally manufactured by surgery on a ] kid, by removing one horn bud |
In medieval times, a unicorn was occasionally manufactured by surgery on a ] kid, by removing one horn bud and relocating the other to the centre of the forehead. (This technique was used as late as the 20th century, for circus displays.) The main source of "unicorn" horns, however, was ] tusks. | ||
| "unicorn" horns, however, was ] tusks. | |||
| Unicorn horns were commonly believed to be able to neutralize poisons. Therefore, people who feared poisoning sometimes drank from goblets made of "unicorn horn". | Unicorn horns were commonly believed to be able to neutralize poisons. Therefore, people who feared poisoning sometimes drank from goblets made of "unicorn horn". | ||
Revision as of 22:22, 14 April 2002
The unicorn is a mythical beast shaped like a horse but with a single, spiral horn growing out of its forehead.
In medieval times, a unicorn was occasionally manufactured by surgery on a goat kid, by removing one horn bud and relocating the other to the centre of the forehead. (This technique was used as late as the 20th century, for circus displays.) The main source of "unicorn" horns, however, was narwhal tusks.
Unicorn horns were commonly believed to be able to neutralize poisons. Therefore, people who feared poisoning sometimes drank from goblets made of "unicorn horn".
The unicorn was also a common symbol of purity and of Jesus Christ.
In fantasy fiction, a unicorn often has magical qualities or powers.