Briefly


The unicorn, a mythical creature usually depicted as a white horse with a single, spiraled horn projecting from its forehead, is a symbol of purity, beauty, and magic. It is often associated with qualities of goodness, immortality, and the freedom to roam unfettered. This creature embodies the idea of untamed nature and the unknown, representing the mystical and the magical, and symbolizing the untapped, boundless potential we all carry within us. Its elusive, solitary nature adds to its mystique, making it a symbol of the unattainable and the infinite possibility of the imagination.

Unicorn in Dreams


In the realm of dreams, a unicorn may indicate a variety of things depending on one’s personal experiences and feelings. Generally, seeing a unicorn in a dream can symbolize a desire to escape reality and retreat into a world of fantasy and imagination. It may also signify a yearning for purity, beauty, and the sense of wonder that we often lose touch with in adulthood. From a psychological perspective, a unicorn appearing in one’s dreams may represent an aspect of one’s self that is unique and special, and perhaps unrecognized or undervalued in one’s waking life.

Unicorn in Myths and Folklore

Unicorns have appeared in the mythologies and folklore of various cultures throughout history. In Western culture, they have often been depicted as a symbol of purity and grace, as in the medieval legend of a virgin maiden being the only one capable of taming the wild beast. Unicorns also feature in Eastern mythology, such as the Chinese myth of the Qilin, a creature often likened to the Western unicorn but with the body of a deer and the tail of an ox, and is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The unicorn’s presence in literature, such as C.S. Lewis’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series, often allude to its nature as a creature of purity and its association with magical powers.

Reviewed by Olex Lys, enthusiastic in the field of symbolism research, and in the psychological interpretation of dreams.

Symbolopedia

Encyclopedia of Symbols

About the Author

Symbolopedia is an encyclopedia of symbol meanings. Although we tend to favor a scientific explanation of symbols, it's important to keep in mind that symbols operate within the realm of the subconscious, leaving room for a touch of imagination to persist. Our articles include sources for further learning about each symbol.

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