My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Of all the unique creatures that have been written about in myths and legends the unicorn is probably my least favorite. The reason being is because of how the unicorn itself has become so ingrained into popular culture. Whenever you think of a unicorn nowadays, you see a docile, smiling, white horse with a protruding golden horn and has a mane in blue, purple and pink (the official unicorn colors). The unicorn has become a distant cousin to the Care Bears with no meaning to its history; other than the fact it's marketed to be an overrated product and obsession for all ages.
Even when I saw the cover of the book, I was somewhat dismayed at the bright bubble gum pink cover and the obnoxious looking text. However, the Fairies and Mermaids books took me beyond Tinker Bell and Ariel and introduced to a plethora of other variations that I had been completely unaware of.
It seems like Skye Alexander had the same problem when it came to the 'unicorn obsession' and says as much throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised at the unicorns deep history that goes all the way back to the Bible! Yes! The unicorn is mentioned several times in the Bible of all places. As with fairies and mermaids, the unicorn's identity has grown and developed over the ages through stories and fables, but also through religion and politics. For example, the unicorn is the symbol of Scotland and is featured on one side of England's coat of arms with a lion on the other side. The lion represents England and the unicorn Scotland. The irony is that the lion and the unicorn have always been written to be mortal enemies.
Unlike the other books, Unicorns doesn't really launch into other cultural myths and legends because it is completely ingrained into British history. The unicorn is one of a handful of supernatural creatures that is indigenous to one culture. So instead, the book focuses on the history of the unicorn, its rise and decline over the centuries and the constant battle of science vs magic.
After reading this book, I definitely had such an appreciation for the unicorn myth; while also a despairing mindset at how the unicorn, once a magnificent and powerful creature that inspired awe and mystery, has been reduced to a silly, nonsensical and nauseating pop culture icon. Thankfully this book offers a deeper understanding and context to the important and vital role that the unicorn has played in Western history and civilization.
Of all the unique creatures that have been written about in myths and legends the unicorn is probably my least favorite. The reason being is because of how the unicorn itself has become so ingrained into popular culture. Whenever you think of a unicorn nowadays, you see a docile, smiling, white horse with a protruding golden horn and has a mane in blue, purple and pink (the official unicorn colors). The unicorn has become a distant cousin to the Care Bears with no meaning to its history; other than the fact it's marketed to be an overrated product and obsession for all ages.
Even when I saw the cover of the book, I was somewhat dismayed at the bright bubble gum pink cover and the obnoxious looking text. However, the Fairies and Mermaids books took me beyond Tinker Bell and Ariel and introduced to a plethora of other variations that I had been completely unaware of.
It seems like Skye Alexander had the same problem when it came to the 'unicorn obsession' and says as much throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised at the unicorns deep history that goes all the way back to the Bible! Yes! The unicorn is mentioned several times in the Bible of all places. As with fairies and mermaids, the unicorn's identity has grown and developed over the ages through stories and fables, but also through religion and politics. For example, the unicorn is the symbol of Scotland and is featured on one side of England's coat of arms with a lion on the other side. The lion represents England and the unicorn Scotland. The irony is that the lion and the unicorn have always been written to be mortal enemies.
Unlike the other books, Unicorns doesn't really launch into other cultural myths and legends because it is completely ingrained into British history. The unicorn is one of a handful of supernatural creatures that is indigenous to one culture. So instead, the book focuses on the history of the unicorn, its rise and decline over the centuries and the constant battle of science vs magic.
After reading this book, I definitely had such an appreciation for the unicorn myth; while also a despairing mindset at how the unicorn, once a magnificent and powerful creature that inspired awe and mystery, has been reduced to a silly, nonsensical and nauseating pop culture icon. Thankfully this book offers a deeper understanding and context to the important and vital role that the unicorn has played in Western history and civilization.
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