Ok, so why a Unicorn?

[RPGPundit]

I'm just saying.. is there any particular reason why the centralmost figure representing the power of Order in the universe would be a one-horned horse?

RPGpundit

[ConanMK]

You were expecting a deer maybe?

[RPGPundit]

I should clarify, perhaps; I don't really know why Roger Zelazny chose a Unicorn, and doubt that anyone here except possibly Erick could answer that one.

But I'm more curious to see if anyone has thought about an explanation IN THEIR OWN CAMPAIGN as to why its a unicorn?
I mean the Dragon makes far more sense for Chaos; since the time of Gilgamesh the Dragon has been seen as a symbol of chaos. But the Unicorn?

RPGPundit

[Gunslinger]

Not familiar with the source material here but if you ever saw the movie Legend with Tom Cruise it sounds perfectly reasonable in that context.

[Gladen]

Yeah!  I can contribute!

I am not a player of the Amber game, but I ham an avid fan of the Amber Novels, to the point of having several different editions (original covers, second covers, harback, etc....and 2 copies to loan out), and being able to pretty much recite them.

In certain legends, the Unicorn is seen as the feminine side of order and nature.  Hence why  Unicorn is said to be so pure that only a virgin can catch or ride one.  The pure white coat also resembles purity in the Western sense.  Whereas a dragon, another mythical and noble beast is power and strength, the Unicorn represents order and hamrony...hence the ideals of law and order.

Since the two, are also seen as opposed in certain folklores and myths, it stands to reason that a beast that represents harmony is the perfect choice for the ordered structure of Amber, cast from the maws of chaos.

Also, in the novels, Dworkin gives direct allusion to having done "the nasty" with her when he states, "swear upon thy mother, the unicorn."  


So if a dragon is brute force and nature unleashed, and th eunicron is the order and hamrony of nature, then the polar views of Chaos and Order have their heraldry in the two creatures.

[Aos]

All the magical woodchucks were already employed.

[gabriel_ss4u]

Thought I knew what I was gonna say, but Gunslinger & Gladen have echoed my thoughts summarily. :ditto:

I think it interesting that in modern times, we know of dinosaurs, we suspect yeti*, we ponder stories of dragons, but acknowledge the Unicorn myth.
Perhaps it predates the Serpent?
An interesting mythos...
They are worshiped... It is them that have 'convinced' their tools to draw their imprints.:thepope: :unicorn:

IMC, it's rumored they are  each 1 of the ageless ones, the Weirmonken.
I like the Pattern & Logrus idea as drawn Trumps, (Jibbajibba, awesome insight!), creating reality, and that Trump thread got me thinkin' about different weird Trumps, and those 2 opposing symbols, and all the other ones...(which is why my elemental symbols; the Eligi / the Patterns / other imprints, proceed in the same thought direction) could fall in the category of weird Trumps.

We know that there were things before Chaos, and I believe Trump was one of them. (and so also is the the Unicorn?)


 (*or whatever culture's naming of it, as it has been seen around the world... under many Bigfoot handles.)

"Look, ugly one horned mule!" Blix's companion in Legend upon spotting the Unicorn

[Gunslinger]

Besides what better creature to put a man at awe and intimidate a dragon.  Behold the unicorn!

[gabriel_ss4u]

:scorpion:

[KrakaJak]

I think Mr. Z was just sittin' at home one day...when he said to himself;

"Holy Hell, I've written a shitload of fantasy word type books and I ain't  included a Unicorn Yet! I reckon I better fix'n that up right quick!"

/end crazy southern accent