Monocerus, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230
The Monoceros was a legendary beast that was popular in Asia and later on, it was also known in Europe. The inspiration for this beast probably stem from the African rhinoceros. Alternative names for it were Carcazonon and Karkadann.
In medieval bestiaries, it was often depicted as a mythical animal with a single horn, similar to the unicorn. The unicorn, in turn, held symbolic significance in both medieval bestiaries and Christian symbolism.
The unicorn or monoceros was frequently associated with purity and chastity. Its horn was believed to have the power to purify water and detect poison, and the creature itself was considered difficult or impossible to capture. This symbolism was often used to convey moral lessons, emphasizing the virtues of purity and the elusive nature of righteousness.
In Christian symbolism, the monoceros (or unicorn) was later assimilated into allegorical interpretations. It came to be associated with Christ, particularly in terms of purity and virginity. The single horn was seen as a representation of Christ's unity and oneness. The unicorn was sometimes depicted in scenes of the Annunciation, emphasizing the Virgin Mary's purity.
Although the monoceros (or uncorn) itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, some scholars argue that certain biblical passages might have influenced the unicorn symbolism. For example, in the Book of Job (39:9-12), there is a description of a creature called "re'em" in Hebrew, which some translations render as unicorn. However, the exact identity of this creature is uncertain, and it may not refer to a unicorn as commonly depicted.
In Latin literature, references to unicorns or similar mythical creatures can be found in the works of various writers. For instance, the Roman author Pliny the Elder mentioned a one-horned animal in his Naturalis Historia, a work that was influential in the medieval period. These references contributed to the development of the unicorn myth in medieval bestiaries.
simillima cervo. Cornu media fronte eius proten
ditur, splendore mirifico, ad magnitudinem quatu
or pedum, ita acutum ut quic quid impetat facile ictu
per foretur. Vivus non venit in hominum potestatem,
et interimi quidem potest, capi quidem non potest.
The Monoceros is a monster with a terrifying roar. It has the body of a horse, the feet of an elephant, and a tail being very similar to that of a deer. A horn in its magnificent splendour extends from the middle of its forehead to a length of up to four feet. It is so sharp that whatever it strikes is easily pierced with the blow. No man has ever dominated a monoceros. It can be killed, but it cannot be captured.
Bibliography
David Badke, The Bestiary Blog: Animals in the Middle Ages, Monoceros, November 6 2023, https://bestiary.ca/beasts/beast165.htm
Josh Goldenberg (BA 2012) and Matt Shanahan (BA 2014, Logeion, November 2022, https://logeion.uchicago.edu/
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