Scotland, a land steeped in myth, legend, and breathtaking landscapes, boasts an unusual yet captivating national animal: the unicorn. This majestic creature, long associated with purity, innocence, and power, has captured the hearts and imaginations of people across the globe for centuries. But why did Scotland choose this mythical beast as its national emblem, and what is the history behind this fascinating tradition?
The Unicorn in Myth and Legend
The unicorn‘s origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Babylonians. These cultures often described a horse-like creature with a single horn, imbued with magical abilities like the power to purify water and heal the sick. The ancient Greek historian Ctesias, in his work "Indica," described the unicorn as a wild ass with a white body, red head, and blue eyes, possessing a single horn that was white at the base, black in the middle, and red at the tip (Shepard, 1930). The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder also wrote about the unicorn in his "Natural History," stating that it was a fierce creature that could not be captured alive (Pliny the Elder, 1855).
Even the Bible mentions a creature called the re‘em, which was later interpreted as a unicorn. In medieval European folklore, the unicorn became a symbol of purity, grace, and innocence. It was believed that only a virgin could tame this elusive creature, a notion that would later be linked to the Scottish throne (Williamson, 1953). The unicorn‘s horn, known as an alicorn, was highly prized for its supposed ability to detect and neutralize poisons, making it a valuable commodity in royal courts.
The Unicorn in Scottish Heraldry
Scotland‘s love affair with the unicorn began in the 12th century when it first appeared on the Scottish Royal Coat of Arms during the reign of William I (Dennys, 1975). The choice of the unicorn as a symbol of Scottish royalty may have been influenced by Celtic mythology, where the creature was associated with the moon, femininity, and the goddess Diana (Green, 1992). By the 15th century, the unicorn had become a staple of Scottish heraldry, gracing coins, tapestries, and stone carvings throughout the country.
The unicorn‘s popularity as a symbol of Scottish pride and identity only grew over time. It adorned mercat crosses, which marked the center of towns and villages, and was even granted as a special honor to certain members of the nobility, such as the Earl of Kinnoull (Innes of Learney, 1934). During the Scottish Wars of Independence, the unicorn became a symbol of resistance against English rule, with King Robert the Bruce adopting it as his personal emblem (Barrow, 1965).
The Lion and the Unicorn
In 1603, the Union of the Crowns brought together the kingdoms of Scotland and England under the rule of King James VI and I. This momentous event led to the creation of a new Royal Coat of Arms, which featured the English lion and the Scottish unicorn side by side (Fox-Davies, 1909). The juxtaposition of these two creatures was no accident; the lion and unicorn were believed to be natural enemies, locked in an eternal struggle. By placing them together on the coat of arms, the design symbolized the unity and power of the two nations under one monarch.
Interestingly, the Scottish unicorn is always depicted with a golden chain around its neck. While the exact origin of this detail is unclear, it is thought to represent the monarchy‘s ability to tame and control the wild, untameable creature, thus emphasizing the strength and authority of the Scottish crown (Innes of Learney, 1934).
Over the centuries, the appearance of the unicorn on the Royal Coat of Arms has undergone several changes. In the 17th century, the unicorn was depicted with a more horse-like appearance, while in the 19th century, it was given a more goat-like appearance with cloven hooves and a beard (Fox-Davies, 1909). Today, the unicorn on the Royal Coat of Arms has a more standardized appearance, with a white horse-like body, a flowing mane, a golden horn, and a golden chain.
| Year | Description of Unicorn on Royal Coat of Arms |
|---|---|
| 1603 | Introduction of unicorn alongside English lion |
| 17th century | Unicorn depicted with horse-like appearance |
| 19th century | Unicorn given goat-like appearance with cloven hooves and beard |
| Present day | Standardized appearance: white horse-like body, flowing mane, golden horn, and golden chain |
The Unicorn in Scottish Art and Culture
Throughout Scotland, the unicorn‘s likeness can be found in countless works of art and historical artifacts. The famous Unicorn Tapestries, housed in Stirling Castle and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, depict a hunt for the elusive creature, culminating in its capture and eventual demise (Cavallo, 1998). These intricate tapestries, woven in the late 15th or early 16th century, are considered among the finest surviving examples of late medieval European art.
Other notable examples of unicorn imagery include the gatepost at Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh and the figurehead of HM Frigate Unicorn, a historic warship docked in Dundee (Gourlay & Gourlay, 1978). These treasured relics serve as testament to the unicorn‘s enduring place in Scottish culture and heritage.
The unicorn also features prominently in Scottish literature, from the works of Sir Walter Scott to the poetry of George Mackay Brown. In Scott‘s "The Lay of the Last Minstrel," the unicorn is described as a symbol of purity and grace:
"The unicorn, whose silver horn
Is heard in every breeze that blows,
That with untainted hoof shall scorn
The tainted ground where falsehood grows."
(Scott, 1805)
In Scottish folklore and superstition, the unicorn is often associated with good luck, healing, and protection from evil. According to one traditional belief, a piece of unicorn horn could be used to cure epilepsy and other ailments (Harland & Wilkinson, 1867). In some parts of Scotland, it was also believed that a unicorn‘s horn could be used to locate buried treasure (Campbell, 1900).
Today, Scotland celebrates its unique national animal with National Unicorn Day on April 9th. This whimsical holiday is an opportunity for Scots and unicorn enthusiasts alike to honor the myth, magic, and history surrounding this beloved creature. In recent years, the unicorn has also become a popular symbol in Scottish tourism, with visitors flocking to unicorn-themed attractions such as the "Unicorn of Scotland" sculpture in Dundee and the Unicorn Trail in Stirling.
The Unicorn‘s Enduring Appeal
In recent years, the unicorn has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among younger generations. This renewed interest can be attributed to the creature‘s association with individuality, uniqueness, and the power of imagination. As a symbol of Scotland, the unicorn represents the country‘s rich history, vibrant culture, and the resilience of its people. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the Scottish spirit remains unbreakable, much like the unicorn itself.
From a scientific perspective, the origins of the unicorn myth have been the subject of much speculation and debate. Some researchers have suggested that the unicorn legend may have been inspired by real animals such as the narwhal, the rhinoceros, or the extinct Elasmotherium (a prehistoric rhinoceros species) (Shepard, 1930). Others have argued that the unicorn myth may have arisen independently in different cultures, reflecting a universal human fascination with the idea of a magical, single-horned creature (Lavers, 2009).
Regardless of its origins, the unicorn continues to capture the hearts and minds of people around the world. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its symbolism of hope, magic, and the possibility of the impossible. In a world that can often seem harsh and unforgiving, the unicorn offers a glimpse of a more enchanted, more wondrous reality.
As Scotland‘s national animal, the unicorn is more than just a symbol of the country‘s past; it is a living embodiment of its spirit, its dreams, and its aspirations for the future. So the next time you find yourself in Scotland, keep an eye out for the unicorn – you might just spot one gracing a coat of arms, adorning a medieval tapestry, or even prancing through the misty glens of this enchanting land.
References
- Barrow, G. W. S. (1965). Robert Bruce and the community of the realm of Scotland. London: Eyre & Spottiswoode.
- Campbell, J. G. (1900). Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Glasgow: James MacLehose and Sons.
- Cavallo, A. S. (1998). The unicorn tapestries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Dennys, R. (1975). The heraldic imagination. London: Barrie & Jenkins.
- Fox-Davies, A. C. (1909). A complete guide to heraldry. London: T.C. & E.C. Jack.
- Gourlay, R., & Gourlay, A. (1978). Scottish frigate unicorn. Dundee: Unicorn Preservation Society.
- Green, M. J. (1992). Animals in Celtic life and myth. London: Routledge.
- Harland, J., & Wilkinson, T. T. (1867). Lancashire folk-lore. London: Frederick Warne and Co.
- Innes of Learney, T. (1934). Scots heraldry. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd.
- Lavers, C. (2009). The natural history of unicorns. New York: William Morrow.
- Pliny the Elder. (1855). The natural history of Pliny (J. Bostock & H. T. Riley, Trans.). London: Henry G. Bohn.
- Scott, W. (1805). The lay of the last minstrel. London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme.
- Shepard, O. (1930). The lore of the unicorn. London: George Allen & Unwin.
- Williamson, J. (1953). The oak king, the holly king, and the unicorn: The myths and symbolism of the unicorn tapestries. New York: Harper & Row.
