The unicorn - In pursuit of magic | DW Documentary

For centuries, the unicorn has roamed through cultural history, myths and fairy tales. It's been a symbol of healing, destruction - even queer identity. How has this fantastical creature so captured our imaginations?

Legend has it that ever since ancient times, the unicorn has lived in hiding. If it reveals itself at all, it's only ever for a moment - and only ever from a distance. One of the world's most famous mythical creatures, it's been galloping across our cultural histories for centuries. It appears in works of art, on coats of arms and altars, at fountains, on buildings and everyday objects. It appears in fantasy films, has become a symbol of queer identity and an icon of pop culture.
The myth of the unicorn can be traced back to the second millennium B.C. Only quite late in history did it become clear the creature existed in fact only in our imaginations - and yet our fascination with it has never died.
Over time, it's been attributed with countless meanings. It's been thought of as both healing and destructive, wild and untamable, while still serving as a symbol of purity and innocence. And it has always been associated with a deep longing - after someone caught a glimpse of one, they could supposedly never forget it.
But - has anyone ever really seen a unicorn? Where did the idea of a horse with a horn growing from its forehead first come from? How has an animal that has never existed been able to awaken such powerful, true yearning in us for thousands of years? The hunt for its tracks is on...


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