Unicorn Facts

Unicorns are all the rage nowadays, popping up everywhere from toy stores to Instagram. But the mythology of these incredible creatures goes back centuries. Atlas Obscura created this infographic to illustrate the history of unicorns, as well as several interesting facts. It describes the first written account of a unicorn, as well as the Latin origins of the word. It also explains what the various properties unicorn horns are thought to possess, including use for poison negation, teeth whitening, and as an aphrodisiac. In addition, it tells of the Medieval art of unicorn catching, as well as the ability of unicorns to purify water. The graphic also tells of the unicorns’ very different origins in Japan, where the fantastical beings are vengeful vigilantes in pursuit of justice.