03 East – The Unicorn
Nell Wright Cooper – Donor
Association of Christ and the unicorn derives from an admixture of classical sources that attribute indomitable power, strength, and healing to the unicorn and of biblical references to unicorns whose characters will be interpreted as applying to Christ. The second-century BC Greek translation of the Bible, the Septuagint, mistranslates the Hebrew word re’em (wild ox) as monoceros. There are pre-Christian references between the unicorn and chastity and the symbolism of the powerful ram’s horn working from a place of sinlessness is present in church architecture around the world.
In Luke’s Gospel, Zechariah praises God because “He has raised up for us a horn for our salvation” (Luke 1:69). It was translated “He has raised up for us a mighty savior.” Jesus Christ is the horn of salvation.