| Country / Origin of Description: |
Aelian, a Roman author |
| Time Period: |
3rd century CE |
Description / Misc Information:
“that there are mountains in the
interior regions of India which are inaccessible to men and
therefore full of wild beasts. Among these is the unicorn, which
they call the ‘cartazon.’ This animal is as large as a full-grown
horse, and it has a mane, tawny hair, feet like those of the
elephant, and the tail of a goat. It is exceedingly swift of foot.
Between its brow there stands a single black horn, not smooth but
with certain natural rings, and tapering to a very sharp point. Of
all animals, this one has the most dissonant voice. With beasts of
other species that approach it the ‘cartazon’ is gentle, but it
fights with those of its own kind, and not only do the males fight
naturally among themselves but they contend even against the females
and push the contest to the death. The animal has great strength of
body, and it is armed besides with an unconquerable horn. In the
season of rut it grows gentle towards the chosen female and they
pasture side by side, but when this time is over he becomes wild
again and wanders alone. They say that the young ones are sometimes
taken to the king to be exhibited in contests on days of festival,
because of their strength, but no one remembers the capture of a
single specimen of mature age.”
Connected to the Sanskrit kartājan or ‘Lord of the
Desert’
Resource List:
The Lore of the Unicorn. Odell Shepard.
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