Chasing unicorns

In his account of the Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar claimed to have seen an ox-like unicorn while subjugating the Germanic tribes of the Hercynian Forest to Rome’s will. Marco Polo thought he had found one, but it turned out to be a rhinoceros. The unicorn was adopted as Scotland’s national emblem because it was a long-established enemy of the lion, which was England’s. They both feature, confrontationally, on the Royal coat of arms. Fascination with the unicorn is almost as old as recorded history and has not abated, with shops today reporting a seemingly indefatigable appetite among children for possessions featuring the fabulous animal, from toys and headbands to pencil cases and nail varnish. Unicorns are supposedly unobtainable and elusive. Parents can always use that as an excuse for not finding one.