Medieval UnicornsMedieval Unicorns and their legends are responsible for much of our modern-day image of the Unicorn. The beautiful white horse and horn like a ringed sword. Artists, poets and writers of all kinds brought the magical creatures to life in wonderful tapestries, paintings and poems. Particularly during the Medieval period many of these artworks were created. The unicorn tapestries are world renown as one of the great works of art involving unicorns. They were set in large gardens and during feasts romping in the background while Medieval gentlefolk were relaxing outside their castles. The imaginings of these Medieval artists have been passed down to us in some magical Tapestries the originals of which are in museums. The writers of the Medieval times wrote fanciful tales of how they were hunted and what powers they had.
A PoemThis poem is from the sixteenth century - Germany The wise man says these animals Lust greatly after pretty girls.
This way to catch them is the best, A youth in woman's clothes is dressed
And then with dainty steps he flaunts About the Unicorn' s bright haunts.
For when this creature spies a maid Straight in her lap he lays his head.
The huntsman, doffing his disguise
Saws off the horn and wins the prize.
Medieval Unicorns were HuntedThe poem illustrates how the folklore tells us that Medieval Unicorns were hunted.Maybe that is the reason we don't have any Unicorns left. They were hunted for their horns, and the young woman was used often to tame the Unicorn who could be fairly vicious when confronted directly by hunters. There are even reports that the Unicorn could use his horn as a sword, moving it at will. The horns themselves were ground into powders and used for their magical powers. Some people thought that the Unicorn Horn could heal any kind of wound or illness, particularly stomache problems. Some sources also report that hunters were sure that a under the horn grew a fabulous gem.
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