The Legend of the Scottish Unicorn

Anywhere in Scotland, tourists can catch a glimpse of the legendary unicorn, a creature symbolizing purity, wisdom, and power.

The Enchantment of the Scottish Unicorn

In a corner of the capital Edinburgh, Holyroodhouse Palace rises with its 'witch hat' towers and fortress. Outside, Kenny Hanley, a 74-year-old tour guide, still directs his gaze towards an icon on the south gate of the building.

It's the unicorn in folklore, also the iconic creature of Scotland. Hanley explains that, in the subconscious of the people, the animal symbolizes the nation's purity, wisdom, and power.

Today, the unicorn holds significant meaning in the lives of Scottish people. It not only dazzles in children's rooms or on colorful cereal boxes but also finds its way into movies, cartoons, fashion, and social media. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels drew inspiration from real-life locations in Edinburgh, incorporating details of unicorn blood and fur.

Acting as the bridge between imagination and reality, this creature is depicted and carved on royal insignias, gold coins, royal seals, tapestries, cloaks, and even memorials. In Edinburgh's architecture such as Holyroodhouse Palace, Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar Castle, and St Giles' Cathedral, unicorns are widely popular. Towards the west of the capital, at Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Queen Mary, you can spot unicorns adorning fountains and meticulously preserved ceilings.

At Stirling Castle, mythical creatures are placed at the center of intricately detailed tapestries. Seven tapestries here are handwoven, replicating the Unicorn Tapestries, one of the most valuable artworks from the late Middle Ages (the original is on display at the Met Cloisters museum, New York, USA).

From Delgatie Castle in Aberdeenshire to HMS Unicorn, an ancient warship of Dundee, or on the spires of Prestonpans and Glasgow, countless unicorn hoofed creatures, adorned with royal insignia collars, exist.

Historical accounts of unicorns date back over 3,000 years. Ancient Greeks believed in the existence of a horse-like creature resembling this. It was also first recorded in an ancient book by historian Ctesias in the 4th century BCE. He described it as a wild ass with a horn protruding from the middle of its forehead.

The belief in unicorns was widely propagated when they appeared in ancient texts as mythical steeds. Real creatures like rhinos, swordfish, and narwhals were brought forth to explain the legends. One hypothesis regarding the disappearance of unicorns suggests that these creatures failed to board Noah’s Ark (the biblical vessel carrying Noah, his family, and pairs of every animal species before the flood, according to the Bible).

According to the National Museum of Scotland, legend tells of a king, the only one capable of taming a unicorn and harnessing its power. This tale intrigued King James II. Subsequently, the unicorn became a symbol of purity and authority recognized by Scottish monarchs and nobility in the 15th century.

Although the unicorn is deeply ingrained in Scotland's long history, its true significance remains misunderstood. Liam Devlin, who has been closely associated with this mythical creature for many years, notes that the true meaning of the unicorn is gradually being lost. Politicians around the world see the unicorn as a symbol of illusion and instability. Some Scottish nationalists argue that this indomitable spirit actually originates from England. 'This argument is absurd; the unicorn imagery predates the formation of the United Kingdom in 1707,' Devlin asserts.

John Donaldson, a 72-year-old sculptor, has reintroduced the unicorn into national discourse through art, incorporating this symbol into the country's architectural heritage and emblems. He worked with the agency responsible for promoting Scotland's historical environment, spending 7 years refurbishing Stirling Castle, restoring the Stirling Heads – oak medallions from the 16th century depicting kings, queens, and nobles. On the ceiling of King James V's chamber and above his bed, the unicorn imagery occupies a central position.

According to Donaldson, the unicorn is intertwined with Scotland's heritage over the years. Tourists visit Scotland to explore its history through the unicorn imagery and ancient castles. It's the country's unique allure, and this mythical creature is an integral part of its architecture. 'The unicorn speaks to the people of Scotland,' Donaldson remarks.

Source: Lan Huong/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour