Beware the Unicorn

If you thought unicorns in sixteenth-century literature are all about sparkly rainbows and laying their heads in maidens’ laps. think again. Unicorns in Renaissance stories are fierce, untamed creatures. That’s why they’re so prominent in heraldry.

"wert thou the unicorn, pride and wrath would confound thee and make thine own self the conquest of thy fury"

William Shakespeare, Timon of Athens

If you’re ready for a fierce unicorn that’s uninterested in maidens, rainbows, or peace and love, check out this illustration by Steven Bachan — and back A Bestiary of Enchanted England on Kickstarter!