Unicorns Around the World

By Rayvin Maddock, Khrysalis Studios

The world is filled with diverse creatures, and unicorns are no exception! Similar to how horse breeds vary in size, color, and build, unicorns around the world vary in appearance depending on their habitat. Each continent has its own unique unicorns that have evolved to suit their environment. No matter where they are found or what they look like, unicorns bring magic wherever they live and protection to the lands and creatures they watch over. If you’re very quiet and watchful, you might spy one native to your area! Some dedicated unicorn lovers spend their lives searching for these magnificent creatures, documenting their observations of the various breeds around the world.

We have collected observations of unicorn varieties from each continent, and are sharing the artworks created from those field observations for the first time!

Africa

This wild and wonderfully-colored unicorn from Africa has developed an amazing coat color similar to various antelope species around it. This may be to better blend in with the animals and vegetation in its environment. It has impressive speed and agility, and it seems to enjoy playing with the animals it tends. Researchers noted its distinctive horn, which appears similar to the antlers of a Nyala antelope and adds to the look of this magical creature.

Asia

Tricky to find in its native mossy forests of China, this unicorn variety surprised researchers with its green mane and tail! The mossy green of the forests must have been an influence, as the color provides very good camouflage - particularly when the unicorn is lying down on the forest floor. It’s deer-like build allows it to easily maneuver between the trees and leap over brush and logs in the dense forest. The two-pointed horn on this particular specimen also seems very deer-like. When observed in the wild, it was found to be shyer than most other unicorns and very intelligent.

North America

Many myths and legends of magical horses are passed on in North America – and with good reason. Unicorn historians and researchers feel that at least some of these stories originated from this particular type of unicorn. With a crystal-clear horn that is very difficult to see, this unicorn can run freely with the wild horse herds without revealing its identity. Who knows how many stories of magical black horses this unicorn may have inspired!

South America

Another continent known for its beauty and wildly-colored animals, South America has some very special unicorns. One of these varieties calls the Amazon forest home and appears to have adapted its colorful coat from the vividly-colored birds and plant life found there. The sounds of the forest change when she is around... the air tingles with nature’s rhythm, making one want to dance to the beat of her hooves! This unicorn is often found deep in the jungles, lounging near waterfalls.

Australia

This lovely specimen was found in the dry and arid parts of Australia among the dust and shrubs. Golden in color, this beautiful unicorn gleams like the sun. His magic is sunlight-based, so he’s right at home in the desert. Wherever this unicorn travels he brings healing light and warmth with him. During the rains and the evenings, he rests inside caverns of the great Uluru (Ayers Rock). The color of his coat shifts to redder tones during the winter season when temperatures cool down and the sun isn’t replenishing his magic.

Antarctica

What an amazing find this beautiful pair was! It is very rare to observe a unicorn and her foal in the wild. These two weren’t as shy as you would think. The mare was quite brave and curious, and the foal comfortable enough to fall asleep at her feet. The heartier, pony-like build of this unicorn type makes it well-suited to the cold temperatures. The mare displays a fluffy white coat that glitters to blend in with the sparkling snow and keep her warm. Her horn and mane are very special to this type of unicorn and reflect the lights of the Aurora. Foals are born darker shades of the shifting Aurora colors and slowly turn whiter as they age, much like grey horses. It is thought that their magic stems from the Aurora itself, and is channeled through their color-shifting horns.

Europe

Keen observers spotted this ice-colored unicorn high in the Alps. Speckles of white cover its coat, which help this silent and gentle unicorn blend in with the snow-covered peaks it calls home. It has a heavier, draft-like build compared to the other specimens shown here. It was the most curious of the bunch, and seemed to have a very ancient feeling about it. The movements were meditative as it walked the mountain paths. It seemed to be watching out for any humans or creatures that might have gotten lost along the way.