logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2022
37m 56s

A Fanciful History of Unicorns

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

You probably know exactly what animal we mean when we say “unicorn,” but descriptions and depictions of unicorns have shifted over the millennia. Some lore has roots in sightings of real animals that people have found difficult to describe, or that have been misinterpreted. 

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
May 2
SYMHC Classics: Red Summer 1919
This 2019 episode marked 100 years since a wave of racist violence in the U.S. that became known as Red Summer. In many ways, Red Summer was a response to (but NOT caused by) two earlier events: the Great Migration and the return of black soldiers who had fought in World War I.Se ... Show More
32m 53s
May 1
Behind the Scenes Minis: Greetings and Context
Holly and Tracy commiserate about sending greeting cards. Tracy talks about how she shifted away from an episode exclusively about Frances Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
25m 54s
Apr 29
The Memphis Massacre
The Memphis Massacre was a truly horrific wave of destruction and violence, including sexual violence, against the Black community of Memphis just a year after the end of the U.S. Civil War. Research: “Memphis Daily Appeal Interviews Frances Thompson (1876),” SHEC: Resources for ... Show More
40m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2020
The Vikings Made a Fortune in the 'Unicorn' Trade
Nowadays, experts and equestrians alike largely agree: unicorns are creatures of myth. But, not too long ago, the wealthiest people in Europe would pay top dollar for everything from powdered 'unicorn' dust, to fragments or full specimens of 'unicorn' horn, convinced these supern ... Show More
45m 25s
Jan 2024
La véritable histoire des licornes
<p>Mes chers camarades, bien le bonjour !</p><p>Vous avez déjà eu mille idées qui vous passent par la tête sous la douche ? C’est fou : même en bonne santé, notre cerveau a toujours réservé une énorme place à l’imaginaire, autrement dit à des trucs qui n’existent même pas ! Par e ... Show More
15m 57s
Apr 2022
#153: The Unicorn Killer (Case of Ira Einhorn)
<p>Unicorns are mystical creatures. They are so rare that most of us wouldn’t know what to do if we came across one. </p><p>When the inmates heard that the Unicorn Killer was joining them - they were terrified. </p><p>Most of them had heard of the Unicorn, heard the whispers. Ho ... Show More
1h 32m
Apr 2022
Sideshow 8: Lion & Lamb
Humans are animals. But at some point throughout the course of evolution, our species got the upperhand. Today, a short history of our co-existence with the animal kingdom… and what happened when we decided that these animals would join us on stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for ... Show More
26m 35s
Jul 2012
Fecal Fossils: The Cave of Forgotten Poops
<p>You can learn a lot from an animal's scat, even if that animal hasn't walked the Earth since prehistoric times. In this episode, Robert and Julie explore the fascinating world of coprolite and ponder just what ancient humans and creatures ate.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ... Show More
23m 44s
Oct 2019
Are Unicorns Real?
<p>Are unicorns real? Who made them up? Where do they come from? What do they eat, how big are they, and do they have rainbow manes? We're answering all of your questions about unicorns-and learning about other mythical creatures as well with Adam Gidwitz, creator of The Unicorn ... Show More
22m 47s
Apr 2024
Welsh mythology: everything you wanted to know
What do white horses symbolise in Welsh mythology? What is the Mabinogion? Was King Arthur from Wales? And why do fairy folk hold a particularly sinister place in Welsh folklore? Speaking to Elinor Evans, Mark Rees takes listeners on a tour of the remarkable creatures and stories ... Show More
52m 31s