4 ms·

Unicorns are real. They're just call by a different name, Elasmotherium sibiricum [1], a now extinct species of rhinoceros that shortly co-existed with man. [1

• rs23296008n1 7y ago
  I consulted the relevant and qualified[0] unicorn[1] expert who presented evidence[2] to confirm this is all legitimate[3] so it is deemed[4] to be true[5]: Rhinos or mammoths can't be unicorns. There was mention about not being able to ride[6] them but that is not a convincing argument. Domestication of a more horse-like animal was the larger deciding factor. That said I fully get how a mammoth / rhino could inspire and may actually be the real root of the folk story. While Subject Matter Experts[0] can be wrong the folk story now has its own definition[1] and physical evidence[2]. Sidenote: Now I know why Pratchett likes footnotes. -- [0] 8 year old who has read everything about unicorns [1] reference for the horselike resemblance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicorn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicorn [2] relevant toys and pictures presented as proof [3] like a lot of political "facts" [4] someone authoritatively says so [5] or true enough, see [3], to meet perceptual expectations[1]. [6] rhinos can be ridden if you're suitably enthusiastic and are also able to run faster. Mammoths with horns were probably similar. This is logically not much different to how wild unicorns[1] would be so I'd not discount too much. The riding aspect is therefore a weak disqualifier.