They say that unicorns actually existed, do you believe?

Question

seriously

Answer 1

This actually should be in the mythology section of YA, but what the heck right?

I don't believe in unicorns existing no, but many of the mythological figures and stories passed down do have tiny hints of truth to them.

Some examples:

Werewolf:
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Werewolf myths can be scientifically linked to a genetic condition known as Hypertrichosis.

This is a condition where excess body hair is found to grow all over an individuals body. The result could look very wolf-life in nature and was probably perceived this way by a few people, thus creating folklore on the subject.

Vampires:
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Another genetically linked disease known as Porphyria (also known as the madness of King George). It effects the individuals blood stream/supply and without proper and constant blood infusions the person may die.

Remember how vampires seemingly grow old if they don't drink blood?

Well in this disease, if an individual does not get some form of blood cells into the body - their appearance changes and they end up looking older because the body begins to deconstruct itself so to speak.

Zombies:
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Do zombies actually exist? Probably not, but tetrodotoxin sure does and it's found in puffer fish! Given in the appropriate manner and used as a skin ointment it can make a person appear as though they were "dead" when they are in fact paralyzed.

Of course people would end up burying the dead body, only to find it coming back from it's grave a few days later (the person lived through paralysis and dug their way out).

So did unicorns actually exist somewhere? Probably not, but who's to say that some rare genetic make-up/disorder didn't start the whole myth.

:))

Answer 2

No, I don't. 'They' can say anything but I don't believe them. Unicorns are a myth - meaning they are born from imagination/dream/hallucination so long ago that the idea has been carried down through the millenia. If unicorns had ever existed, there would be scientific evidence. Furthermore, having a horse with a horn makes no evolutionary sense! If this all sounds too cold and scientific, know that I am actually quite spiritual - I have faith in God and many other things, but I know where spiritualism and science have their place.

I used to believe in mermaids, but then I turned 10!

Chalice

EDIT: thinking about it, I suppose it depends on the philosophical question of what 'existence' is - afterall, something doesn't have to be right there in front of you to exist. Dreams and thoughts exist, and if unicorns exist in them I suppose you can say they do exist.

Answer 3

This is like asking whether or not a person believes in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny. If a person is raised with these ideas, chances are that they will have meaning into adulthood. If not, they won't. I think unicorns and the mythology that surrounds them are very beautiful... but that doesn't mean that I think they exist in today's world. They don't, or if they do, then there are no records or history around to document this, the way the Bible documents the life of Christ. I am not a fanatical person, just someone who reads and studies a lot of history... and finds it fascinating.

Answer 4

the unicorn is real but it not what every one thinks it is. It in the bible. the unicorn and the oryx is thought to be th same animal. the oryx is an antelope with two long, thin horns projecting from its forehead. Some have suggested that seen from the side and from a distance, the oryx looks something like a horse with a single horn (although the 'horn' projects backward, not forward as in the classic unicorn). Conceivably, travelers in Arabia could have derived the tale of the unicorn from these animals. However, classical authors seem to distinguish clearly between oryxes and unicorns. The Peregrinatio in terram sanctam, published in 1486, was the first printed illustrated travel-book, describing a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and thence to Egypt by way of Mount Sinai. It featured many large woodcuts by Erhard Reuwich, who went on the trip, mostly detailed and accurate views of cities. The book also contained pictures of animals seen on the journey, including a crocodile, camel, and unicorn - presumably an oryx, which they could easily have seen on their route.

Answer 5

The Bible mentions unicorns. No, there has been no evidence they ever existed, but that doesn't mean they didn't. I'd like to believe the one-horned horse did exist, but possible the Biblical reference was to another type of animal. Who knows?

Answer 6

I don't know how accurate this is, the lady that told it to me was questionable, but she said she found a curly cross that did actually somehow get a spike on his head, from his body, but in the scuffle to catch him it broke off, but he supposedly always had a scar. She has kept his bloodline in the hopes of another like him. I have however, actually seen the cow version of a unicorn, somehow she had a horn in the middle of her forehead, as well as two regular horns.

Answer 7

No. But my grey horse came in from the pasture with little flowers stuck in his mane. He looked so pretty. I made a horn out of cardboard and attached it to his halter with vet tape so he looked like a unicorn. He was kind enough to tolerate the stupidity.

Answer 8

Well, there were green alligators and long-neck geese, some humpty-back camels and some chimpanzees... rats and cats and elephants, but sure as your born, there has never, ever been a unicorn.

I think it's just a fantasy/myth/folklore-type legend.

Answer 9

No, that would be a horse with a very bad bump on his forehead. Or maybe someone bred a goat and a horse that might do it. I really don't think they are out there, but whom ever they is may be the one that is out there. Maybe I'm wrong and there is a herd of them is some far away land! Good luck I really hope you find one;^)

P.S. And how are we to take this seriously?

Answer 10

I don't believe they actually exist, but I wish they do. I love fantasy and magic, so I wish a lot of that kind of stuff was real. And yes, I know, I'm a total nerd. :)