Every woman in fantasy wants a unicorn. It’s like girls and horses…just add a horn and a fantasy world.
Guys usually want a dragon.
But, to remain well-rounded and up to speed on fantasy creatures, today we’ll take a deeper look at the difference between a unicorn and a pegasus.
Unicorn
Unicorns were once considered real. They have their own versions in different cultures — the Greek unicorn, the Chinese unicorn (called Ch’i lin), the Japanese unicorn (Kirin or Sin-you), and Vietnamese unicorn lore.
Despite the many times we see a white stallion with a horn in a movie or book, the original depiction of the unicorn (in Greek mythology) was a white, red, and black horse with a goat beard and a boar’s tail. Sometimes it even had the head of a stag. Chinese and Japanese folklore bring even more versatile descriptions to the creature — the body of an antelope or having a lion’s mane. One thing is consistent, though — the unicorns were known for being a great display of color. Whether it came from reflections, their horn, or their hair/fur….stunning colors are a trait.
The symbolism for unicorns rose up later. Here are some interesting characteristics:
- Unicorns can be captured only by a maiden
- It walks so softly, its hooves make no sound (Chinese unicorn lore)
- Their horns have magical healing qualities
- The Sin-you unicorn can distinguish right from wrong, helping judge offenses. (Japanese unicorn lore)
- Unicorns symbolize prosperity and peace
Books with unicorns in them:
- Of the Persecuted, by Angie Brashear (Callie is a war unicorn. She’s so cool!)
- The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis (Jewel was also a warrior unicorn, King Peter’s steed)
- The Harry Potter Series, by J. K. Rowling
Pegasus
Pegasus isn’t a type of creature, it’s actually the name of the winged white stallion from Greek mythology. Pegasus was born from Poseidon (horse lord) and Medusa (freaky lady with snake hair.) While Pegasus is one specific creature, his name has often been used as a defining term for winged horses in general.
Personally, I’m not bothered by changed uses of mythological creatures. They’ve sprung from myth in the first place so why can’t we add to or change the lore up a bit in modern day. 😉
Defining characteristics of the pegasus:
- It’s a horse that can fly (duh), so it has massive wings
- Pure white in color
- A symbol of wisdom and fame
- In Greek mythology, his role was to bring thunderbolts to Zeus.
Books with pegasi in them:
- Percy Jackson Series, by Rick Riordan
Okay, time to take a vote: unicorn or pegasus?
What are some books that you’ve liked that present the unicorn or pegasus well?
I like that you remembered that the Pegasus is pure white. It drives me nuts hows many people depict him as black. He is also only ride-able by a courageous hero and is the father of all winged horses (of which there are few).
UNICORN every time, because I love them and my Epic fantasy I am writing is about them.
Uh, sorry to knock you off your unicorn, but Jewel was King Tirian’s friend in the last days of Narnia, thousands of years after the Golden Age when King Peter reigned.
Though not a Christian work, the book–and later movie–“The Last Unicorn” was amazing. I’ve read the book–may or may not still have it–and have seen the movie. Both are well done.
Okay, this is really good, and UNICORNS RULE, but, Poseidon is the Greek god of the seas and earthquakes, not just the “horse lord”. And Medusa is not just a “freaky lady with snake hair”. She was cursed by Athena, because she kissed Poseidon in Athena’s temple, and she was VERY mad about this, so she turned Medusa’s hair to snakes. But other than that, This is SOO good! I really like to. Sorry if I seemed rude, I am a Greek mythology freak.
Pegasus! I choose pegasus for my vote and Percy Jackson is a book with the Pegasus in it.
I think that Pegasus is the most important because they take a good place in history!! But I love both unicorn and Pegasus !!
Plus unicorns don’t have wings only a horn that is it’s only cool feature but the Pegasus has wings and collects lighting bolts for the great lord Zues !!!
guys like unicorns not dragons
This was a SUPER helpful website. I vote Pegasus! But don’t get me wrong…Unicorns are pretty lit.
Unicorns all the way for me and I’ve loved them all my life so really happy that they are currently the ‘in’ thing so there’s lots of unicorn stuff available.
However, when did Pegasus mate with a Unicorn?
The reason I’m asking is there are too many Unicorns depicted with wings
Unicorns do not have wings!!
Medusa and Poseidon were doing much worse in the temple
Hi!
I really like the unicorn facts thanks for sharing..
unicorn facts
I am more interested in information about unicorns. They sound for real and beautiful.
Also there was the entire Adept series by Piers Anthony that involved Unicorns as a major character.
Unicorns rule! I only wish I could have one in my garden 🙂
Unicorn
Rude zarah get off this place
Unicorn are also mentioned in the Bible,
There is a book named Pegusus
Unicorns are my favorite, Who wants to join the unicorn club.
I choose both because a unicorn is magic but you can fly when you are on a Pegasus