The Last Unicorn

A blast from my past hit me while I was wandering about Chapters: The Last Unicorn. I cannot count the number of times I watched the movie adaptation of this book as a child, it was one of my favourites. I loved it so much that I ended up buying it on dvd last year. Oddly enough, I had never read the book and thought I might as well pick it up to read. I was definitely satisfied by the familiar adventure from my childhood.

We start our tale when our unicorn sets out to see if she really is the last of her kind. Wandering throughout the land in search of any sign of unicorns she is often mistaken for simply a white mare. Discouraged by the fact that humans can no longer recognize her for what she truly is she continues on her journey encountering many colourful characters. One of my favourite fellows is a travelling butterfly, especially since in The Last Unicorn butterflies only seem to talk in songs and poems. Or take Schmendrick, the hapless magician, trying to come into his own and find his power he manages to aid our unicorn on her journey. Later they are joined by Molly Grue, a slightly jaded maiden who is taken by the presence of the unicorn and vows to follow her. And lest we forget Prince Lir, originally a useless man who is turned into a hero by his unrequited love. With a little help from her new found friends, our unicorn vanquishes the evil red bull freeing her brethren from the sea.

This book is full of all of the things I love about fantasy novels: magic, love, mythical creatures, a kingdom in peril, and good triumphing over evil. I try not to read too much into this tale, but I cannot help but feel there are some underlying "save the environment" themes. Nevertheless, it is a fun tale of friendship and perseverance that is an enjoyable read for people of all ages. Also, if you do not find yourself with enough time to read The Last Unicorn then check out the movie since Peter S. Beagle wrote the screenplay for it and it is extremely close to the novel.
Peter S. Beagle