Symbolism of the Unicorn

By Cara

content warning: themes of sexual assault, trauma

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The Unicorn on the Lyre

In Episode 81: Take, we see Persephone steal Apollo’s lyre from his car.

Photo from Webtoons

Persephone cuts the string off Apollo’s lyre the next day. It is a cathartic process for her. A few days later, she is left trapped in a situation wherein she had to confront her own abuser. She gives the lyre back to him, telling him that what she did to the lyre is a reflection of how she feels towards him.

We see the lyre with multiple strings cut off and we see Apollo completely distraught over his broken lyre. We see multiple scratches off the arms of the lyre, as Apollo tightens his grip. Moreover, we see an etched scribble of a unicorn, right where the strings are cut.

The Unicorn in Mythology

Unicorns appear in various myths and folklores. In ancient culture, it was written as if it were a real animal. There are also similar creatures that are recorded in other parts of the world.

We know that unicorns have always been magnificent, beautiful, ethereal-like creatures, with gorgeous white manes and a horn that is sought-after for its magical properties. The creature was first mentioned by Greek writer Ctesias, in his work entitled, Indika (“On India”). Aristotle also gave similar descriptions of a creature that came from the same region - the oryx. There are carvings of unicorns in a sculpture in Perspolis.

One aspect of the mythology of the unicorn is that it is drawn to those who are pure, specifically virgin maidens. In Harry Potter, the unicorn horn is used as an ingredient to brew potions such as Draught of Peace and drinking its blood would grant its drinker immortality.

Why is this important?

The unicorn represents many things in lore, such as purity, grace, and life over time. But it also represents freedom, purity, and most importantly, innocence. This brings us back to the night when Persephone stole the lyre. She declares that in the short time she’s known Apollo, Apollo has taken so much from her: her peace, her joy, her dignity.

This leads us to believe that the unicorn etched on Apollo’s lyre alludes to how he took away Persephone’s virginity and innocence. Persephone etching it on something of importance to Apollo indicates Persephone reclaiming her narrative.

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this essay is an interpretation of the writer

Sources: Lore Olympus on Webtoons, Mythology.net

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