The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
"The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle is a novel that unfolds as a fairy tale yet subverts traditional genre conventions through its realistic portrayal of characters and themes. The story follows a unicorn who, upon learning she is the last of her kind, embarks on a quest to find others. Her journey leads her to experiences that challenge her understanding of heroism and the nature of humanity, as she encounters disillusioned characters and complex moral situations rather than clear-cut heroes and villains.
The narrative, told in the third person, features a straightforward linear structure devoid of flashbacks or parallel plots. Alongside the unicorn are Schmendrick, a hapless magician, and Molly Grue, a pragmatic character who adds depth to the tale. Their adventures bring them to the lair of King Haggard, where they confront the Red Bull, the creature responsible for the disappearance of other unicorns. Themes of identity and transformation are explored as the unicorn is turned into a human girl, Lady Amalthea, and must navigate new experiences while striving to reclaim her true self.
Through its exploration of inner truths and the journey of self-discovery, "The Last Unicorn" resonates with readers of all ages. The novel's universal appeal is highlighted by its translation into multiple languages and adaptation into a celebrated animated film in 1982, for which Beagle penned the screenplay.
Subject Terms
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
First published: 1968
Subjects: Coming-of-age, the supernatural, and travel
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy
Time of work: Unspecified
Recommended Ages: 13-18
Locale: A nameless world of the imagination
Principal Characters:
The Unicorn/Lady Amalthea , a unicorn who, unwilling to believe she is the last of her kind, goes in search of the other unicornsSchmendrick , a wandering magician who, having freed the unicorn, decides to accompany and help herMolly Grue , a disillusioned, middle-aged woman who decides to follow her dreamThe Witch , a woman who collects enchanted creatures in the quest to become immortalKing Haggard , a man who desperately seeks happinessPrince L’r , the young man who falls in love with Lady Amalthea, which turns him into a fairy-tale heroThe Red Bull , King Haggard’s curse, weapon, and protector
Form and Content
The Last Unicorn most resembles a novel-length fairy tale. Even so, it is a fairy tale that knows itself to be one: Throughout the novel, author Peter S. Beagle offers a more realistic look on life that plays havoc with the conventions of the genre. The outlaws in the forest, for example, are not exactly merry—more poor and disillusioned. Moreover, the great deeds of heroism that the prince performs for his beloved do not exactly endear him to her—she does not like killing and bloodshed.
As is characteristic for fairy tales, the plot has a deceptively simple linear structure that is not interrupted by flashbacks, flashforwards, or parallel plots. Also characteristically, it is told in the third-person narrative voice. Heroes and villains can be found in this story, but, contrary to those in the polished Grimms’ fairy tales, they are not painted in black and white. As in real life, there are many shades of gray, which makes even the villains at least understandable.
The story begins when a unicorn overhears two hunters mention that she is now the last of her kind in this world. Despite misgivings about leaving her beloved forest, she finally decides to find out whether this rumor is true. Indeed, she searches far and wide without finding any other of her kind. To make matters worse, it seems that humankind has forgotten that unicorns are more than simply make-believe. When humans look at her, they see only a white horse.
Exhausted from her travels, one day the unicorn falls asleep beside a road. It is a dangerous mistake, for the owner of a passing carnival, an old witch, does recognize her. Seeing a chance to enlarge her collection of mythical creatures, the witch uses magic to capture the unicorn. Thus, the unicorn becomes part of an exhibit, along with a real harpy and many enchanted animals.
Aside from the witch, only one other person working at the carnival recognizes the unicorn: Schmendrick, a down-on-his-luck magician who seems unable to get his spells straightened out. He decides that it is wrong to keep her captive and, after some failed attempts with spells, unlocks the unicorn’s cage with a stolen key. She in turn frees the harpy. In the ensuing chaos, the unicorn and magician escape.
Schmendrick has resolved to help the unicorn with her quest. An increasing number of clues point toward the Red Bull of King Haggard as the cause of the other unicorns’ disappearance. On the way to his country, Schmendrick is captured by a gang of would-be Robin Hoods and distracts them by using his magic to conjure up an illusion of the real thing. Helped by the unicorn, he escapes. Molly Grue, a disillusioned version of Maid Marian, sees the unicorn and decides that she will come along.
Through a wasteland country and an enchanted city—the only rich place in the entire kingdom—the group finally reaches King Haggard’s castle. Nearby, the Red Bull smells the unicorn. In order to save her, Schmendrick must turn the unicorn into a human girl. Thus, Lady Amalthea arrives at the castle.
While Schmendrick and Molly work for King Haggard and look for the unicorns, Lady Amalthea is being courted by Prince L’r. The poor prince has fallen head over heels in love, and he tries to prove himself by righting wrongs and slaying monsters. Gradually, the unicorn begins to lose herself in her forced human identity. Before she completely forgets her past, Molly and Schmendrick find the Red Bull and the other unicorns. Against her will, Lady Amalthea is turned into a unicorn again. A desperate fight wins her freedom and that of the other unicorns.
Critical Context
The Last Unicorn is probably Peter S. Beagle’s best-known work. It is regularly reprinted and has been translated into several languages. The novel speaks of inner truths and of a process of growing up that even adults continue to confront, themes that are also present in other works by the author. The fact that this story is not bound to any recognizable time, place, or culture adds to its universal appeal.
In addition to The Last Unicorn, Beagle has written such works as A Fine and Private Place (1960), I See by My Outfit (1971), The Fantasy World of Peter Beagle (1978), The Garden of Earthly Delights (1982), The Folk of the Air (1986), and The Innkeeper’s Song (1993). His screenplays include that for the animated film Lord of the Rings (1978). As with many popular novels, The Last Unicorn has also found its way to the film industry. In 1982, it was used as the basis for an excellent animated film (with an all-star voice cast), for which Beagle himself wrote the screenplay.