Unicorns are mythical creatures that have fascinated people for centuries. Though unicorns themselves don’t actually exist, the legend of the unicorn is one that continues to capture our imaginations. When we think of unicorns, we often imagine powerful stallions with a single ivory horn protruding from their foreheads. However, baby unicorns must exist too if unicorns are to continue as a species. So what exactly do we call a baby unicorn? Let’s take a look.
Baby Unicorn Names
There are a few popular terms used to refer to baby unicorns:
- Unicorn foal
- Baby unicorn
- Unicorn calf
- Little unicorn
- Young unicorn
The most common names are unicorn foal, baby unicorn, and unicorn calf. These all get straight to the point in conveying that we’re talking about an infant or juvenile unicorn.
Unicorn Foal
The term “foal” is used to refer to a baby horse, so it makes sense that a baby unicorn would also be called a foal. A foal is defined as a young horse under one year of age. So a unicorn foal would be a young unicorn under a year old.
Here’s an example sentence using this term: “The unicorn foal awkwardly stumbled around on its skinny legs, not yet used to walking.”
Baby Unicorn
“Baby unicorn” is an equally straightforward and intuitive way to describe a unicorn that was recently born or is still in its infancy. This term is applicable to very young unicorns and immediately conveys that we’re talking about the unicorn equivalent of a baby.
Here’s an example sentence using this term: “The baby unicorn nuzzled up against its mother as it drank her milk.”
Unicorn Calf
A baby unicorn can also be called a unicorn calf. Just like “foal” is used for baby horses, “calf” is used for baby cows. Since a unicorn is essentially a magical hybrid animal, it makes sense that terms for baby horses and cows could both apply to baby unicorns.
Here’s an example sentence using this term: “The herd protected the unicorn calf and kept it safely in the middle.”
What Do Baby Unicorns Look Like?
Since unicorns are mythical creatures, there aren’t any definitive facts on what baby unicorns look like. However, we can make some educated guesses based on what we know about adult unicorns and real baby animals. Here are some likely characteristics of baby unicorns:
- Small, stubby horn
- Gangly, skinny legs
- Fluffy fur
- Large, innocent eyes
- Spots/stripes
- Wobbly walk
Many baby animals are born a bit awkward looking, not yet grown into their adult bodies. Baby deer and horses have long skinny legs before they grow into them. Baby cows and goats have small stubby horns at first. And many baby animals have fluffy fur and big eyes that give them an adorably innocent appearance.
It’s quite likely baby unicorns went through a similarly awkward gangly phase as they learned to walk and control their magical horn. They probably had fluffy coats of hair that made them look extra cuddly and lovable. And they likely depended on their mothers for nutrition and protection before becoming independent.
Color Patterns
In terms of color patterns, baby unicorns may have had stripes or spots that eventually faded as they grew into adults. These juvenile color patterns can help camouflage baby animals or make them less appealing targets for predators.
For example, baby deer called fawns have white spots that help them blend into their surroundings. This helps hide them from predators while they are vulnerable babies. Baby unicorns similarly may have had spots, stripes, or other patterns that provided an extra layer of protection before they became adults.
Do Baby Unicorns Have Powers?
In most mythical depictions, unicorns possess unique magical powers, such as the ability to purify water and heal sickness. A question that arises is – do baby unicorns have powers from birth, or do they develop powers over time?
There are a few possibilities:
- They are born with innate powers
- They slowly develop powers as they grow
- They gain powers once mature
Given how many baby animals are quite helpless at birth, it would likely be difficult for newborn unicorns to have full access to powers right away. Just like human babies aren’t born walking or talking, baby unicorns likely need time to gain control of their abilities.
However, it would be reasonable if unicorns developed basic magical abilities fairly quickly in their youth. Their horns may have lit up weakly at a young age, hinting at illumination powers to come. And they may have had a sense early on of being able to detect poison and sickness.
While baby unicorns may show signs of budding powers, they probably don’t reach the peak of their magical abilities until maturity. Once fully grown, unicorns in mythology can fully purify, heal, and use their horns to fight. Baby steps are needed first before they gain their full legendary status.
Are Baby Unicorns Cute?
Absolutely! While we can only imagine what baby unicorns may have looked like, it’s hard to picture them as anything but completely adorable.
All baby animals have certain irresistible qualities, from fluffy chicks to wooly lambs to puppies and kittens. Big eyes, round bodies, clumsy movements, and innate curiosity tend to make human hearts melt.
As a magical hybrid animal, baby unicorns would encapsulate the most lovable qualities of many favorite baby animals. The fluff of a baby chick, wobbly legs of a newborn deer, innate curiosity of a puppy – baby unicorns would be the whole perfect package.
Let’s walk through some reasons why baby unicorns would be so cute:
Big Eyes
Many animals have large, round eyes as babies. From kittens to ponies to baby elephants, big eyes relative to head size is a common trait across cute baby animals. Eyes that seem huge compared to their body make animals seem more innocent and lovable.
Baby unicorns would certainly have had enormous, sparkling eyes that caught the light beautifully. Their eyes may have even been slightly too large for their head at first as their bodies adjusted to proportional growth. Either way, there’s no doubt their shining eyes would have an irresistible baby animal appeal.
Fluffy Bodies
Fuzzy, fluffy bodies also heighten the cuteness levels of many baby animals. Chicks, lion cubs, ducklings and other baby birds and mammals often have super soft, fluffy coats of down or fur.
This fluff helps keep them warm and protected as they grow, while also making them look like the most huggable creatures imaginable. It’s easy to picture baby unicorns having the fluffiest, most pettable coats as they grew.
Clumsy Movement
Babies of all species share the comedy and appeal of clumsy or uncoordinated movement. Whether it’s a newborn deer walking on wobbly legs or a puppy tripping over its own ears, baby animals learning to control their bodies have hilarious mishaps.
Can’t you just imagine a baby unicorn trying to coordinate running on its skinny legs while also figuring out how to use its tiny horn? The awkward learning phase of movement would just add to the cute appeal.
Conclusion
While baby unicorns unfortunately don’t exist in reality, picturing them captures our imaginations. Based on what we know about unicorn mythology and the characteristics of adorable baby animals, baby unicorns would likely be fluffy, big-eyed, clumsy, and absolutely magical.
So the next time you daydream about unicorns, be sure to picture not just majestic adults but also the delightful unicorn foals, calves, and babies learning to use their horns and charms. Even if unicorns are mythical, there’s no doubt any baby version would be irresistibly cute!