Peter S. Beagle’s novel “The Last Unicorn” begins with an iconic line: “The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone.” This introduction sets the stage for a seemingly simple yet profound story about an immortal unicorn who realizes it’s been ages since she saw any of her kind. Once, unicorns were plentiful, but now they’re nowhere to be found.
The unicorn’s journey starts with an encounter with a whimsical, somewhat erratic butterfly that repeats snippets of overheard conversations. Initially, the butterfly isn’t much help. But then, in a moment of clarity, it reveals in chilling terms that the other unicorns were chased away by a fearsome creature known as the Red Bull.
This revelation spurs the unicorn into action. Despite knowing that her absence will bring winter to her enchanted forest, she feels compelled to find the others and restore her kind to the world. She ventures out, facing unknown dangers and challenges.
Along her journey, she meets a series of intriguing characters. Schmendrick, a magician with immense potential but inconsistent results, becomes one of her closest companions. They eventually meet Molly Grue, who is initially heartbroken and bitter upon seeing the unicorn, feeling betrayed by its late arrival in her life. Despite her harsh words, Molly forgives the unicorn, and the three continue their quest.
Their journey leads them to the kingdom of King Haggard and his son, Prince Lir. Lir is destined for both greatness and sorrow, embodying the complex nature of heroism. Schmendrick insightfully notes that great heroes often face significant burdens.
“The Last Unicorn” is a must-read for fantasy lovers. Beagle’s story tugs at the heartstrings, reflecting the inevitable changes and sadness of our world, yet also offering hope through the unicorn’s enduring presence. Her determination and bravery are both heartbreaking and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
Beagle’s writing is effortlessly beautiful, drawing readers into what feels like a timeless legend, replete with quirky and practical details. Characters like a bandit offering tacos in the woods, and Molly Grue picking up a rock to fend off attackers, add layers of unexpectedness to the classic quest narrative.
Although the tale includes familiar elements like a powerful king, a destined hero, and a magician, it defies expectations by centering the story around the unicorn and an ordinary woman, Molly Grue, who takes on the role typically reserved for maidens. King Haggard’s castle is dark and mysterious, and a one-eyed cat within, full of secrets, further enriches the narrative with a typical cat’s cryptic nature.
Even if fantasy isn’t usually your genre, this book is worth reading for its unique, captivating story and Beagle’s remarkable prose. Many passages will linger in your memory, much like the unicorn herself.
If you’ve seen the 1982 animated movie adaptation, the book offers even more depth and delightful details, enhancing the experience with Beagle’s superb language.
Though it could be classified as Young Adult (YA) fiction, “The Last Unicorn” is a classic that readers of any age can enjoy. Whether encountering the unicorn in your youth or much later, it’s never too late to be enchanted by her story. Have you read “The Last Unicorn”? What do you think about this timeless tale?
