Part of my hobbies as a theologian is reading to gain more knowledge. A few months ago, I read a religious article about unicorns and their relation to Christ.
I immediately became interested in learning more about these creatures, as I had read different mythology books depicting this creature as a fairy and a legendary creature.
I researched immensely by reading mythology books and watching folklore documentaries on unicorns. I also visited other theology professors to understand what the bible says about these creatures.
Last week, a member of my online forum wanted to know if unicorns are evil. Another member also wanted to know if the bible says unicorns are evil.
From my immense research, I took the opportunity to explain my findings on the forum. I also decided afterward to come up with this article to share my knowledge with those interested in this topic.
So, are unicorns evil?
Although the bible mentions unicorns through the King James Version of the bible translation, it does not talk about unicorns as evil. The scriptures with the word unicorns have been used majorly to signify the power and strength of God. Joseph describes the Lord’s power in Deuteronomy 33:17 as like the horns of unicorns.
I invite you to join me until the end as I explore more about this topic. I will discuss where the legend of the unicorn came from, why the unicorn is considered a sacred animal, and what makes a unicorn so dangerous, among other interesting topics.
Does the bible say unicorns are evil?

It is interesting, to say the least, how unicorns have appeared in the bible. This is because the word unicorn only appears in the bible nine times when using the King James Version translation.
Bible scholars have suggested that the original name of the unicorn is found in the Hebrew Bible, known as the re ’em. A re’em is an animal also mentioned nine times in the Hebrew bible. Other Christian bible translations have translated this word as oryx or wild ox.
Although the bible mentions unicorns several times, there is no single scripture that depicts these creatures as evil in the bible.
For instance, Numbers 23:22 compares God’s power to bring the Israelites out of Egypt to that of the unicorn.
Psalms 22:21 also describes David’s enemies’ powers, comparing them to that of unicorn horns. All the scriptures in the bible, with the mention of unicorns, have been used to portray power or strength and not any evil.
Where did the legend of the unicorn come from?
The legend of the unicorn is believed to have come from European literature and art and spread across other cultures over time.
The first myth of the unicorn is suggested to have dated to the 4th century BCE through Ctesias. He was a Greek historian who is believed to have documented a unicorn-like animal in his book indika (on India).
Ctesias describes this animal as having a long, pointed, single large horn projecting from its forehead. The unicorn has also been described in folklore as a white-like horse or a goat-like animal with cloven hooves.
The legend then spread to different cultures, carrying different meanings. For instance, the Ancient Chinese believe the unicorn, also known as the Zhi in this culture, represents justice.
Celtic cultures also believed the unicorn symbolized magic, purity, and fertility.
Why is the unicorn considered a sacred animal?
Some people considered the unicorn a sacred animal because they believed its blood had healing properties. Some also suggest that the blood of the unicorn had a healing property.
Other cultures also considered the unicorn a sacred animal because they speculate its horn as sacred, as people who drank from it were protected from poison, trouble, and diseases such as epilepsy.
Other individuals also considered the unicorn to be a unique animal in that it was only caught by a virgin maiden and no one else.
Why do some stories portray unicorns as evil?

Since most stories about unicorns seem positive, one may wonder why a few stories out there still portray unicorns as evil.
It is believed that some cultures believe that these legendary creatures are evil because they are rarely seen, and their presence may mean something evil will happen.
For instance, many cultures imply seeing a unicorn at the doorstep may be a warning sign or a bad omen. Other cultures also suggest that unicorns are evil because they are believed to kill all those who go near them, except children.
What makes a unicorn so dangerous?
Some people believe unicorns are dangerous because of their magic powers and sharp, long horns. Some individuals also speculate that unicorn horns can be dangerous because it is said that they can be used to make lethal poison that can cause death.
It is also implied that unicorn horns are so dangerous that they can pierce through any animal or human, killing them instantly.
As believers, the bible reminds us in 1 Timothy 1:4 not to devote ourselves to any endless genealogies or myths because they promote controversy and not the gospel of God.

As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.