Unicorn vs. Pegasus: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
A unicorn is a mythical horse-like creature with a single horn, while Pegasus is a winged horse from Greek mythology.
Key Differences
Unicorn and Pegasus are both legendary creatures that have inspired countless tales and artistic representations. The unicorn is primarily recognized for its single, spiral horn protruding from its forehead. This horn often symbolizes purity and grace. Pegasus, on the other hand, does not have this horn. Instead, it is distinguished by its large, feathered wings which enable it to fly.
In terms of origin, the unicorn appears in multiple cultures' mythologies and folklore, often symbolizing innocence, purity, or even power in some Asian cultures. The Pegasus, however, has its roots specifically in Greek mythology, where it is born from the blood of the slain Gorgon Medusa and is eventually tamed by the hero Bellerophon.
Unicorns are often depicted in both medieval European lore and ancient Chinese stories. They have been sought after, often believed to possess magical properties or blessings. Pegasus, with its Greek origin, has been associated with poetic inspiration; the winged horse is said to have created the Hippocrene spring on Mount Helicon with a stamp of its hoof.
In modern culture, both these creatures have taken on new meanings and representations. Unicorns are often seen as symbols of magic, beauty, and rarity, while Pegasus remains a symbol of inspiration, flight, and the bridging of both earthly and divine realms.
Comparison Chart
Primary Feature
Single horn on the forehead
Feathered wings
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Origin
Multiple cultures' mythologies
Greek mythology
Symbolizes
Purity, innocence, magic
Inspiration, poetic muse
Modern Depiction
Magic, beauty, rarity
Freedom, flight
Mobility
Typically terrestrial
Ability to fly
Unicorn and Pegasus Definitions
Unicorn
A rare or unique entity or phenomenon.
Her startup was hailed as the next unicorn in the tech world.
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Pegasus
The name of a constellation in the northern sky.
We gazed up, trying to spot Pegasus amidst the stars.
Unicorn
A mythical creature resembling a horse, with a single horn on its forehead.
The princess dreamt of a unicorn in a magical forest.
Pegasus
A winged horse from Greek mythology, born from the blood of Medusa.
The hero rode Pegasus to defeat the chimera.
Unicorn
An elusive or unattainable concept.
For many, achieving work-life balance is like chasing a unicorn.
Pegasus
A symbol of poetic inspiration in Greek myth.
The poet sought the blessings of Pegasus before starting his epic.
Unicorn
A term used in the tech industry to describe startups valued at over $1 billion.
After their recent funding, the company joined the ranks of unicorns.
Pegasus
A representation of freedom and the bridging of the terrestrial and divine.
Pegasus remains an enduring symbol in literature.
Unicorn
A fabled creature symbolic of virginity and usually represented as a horse with a single straight spiral horn projecting from its forehead.
Pegasus
Greek Mythology A winged horse that with a stroke of his hoof caused the fountain Hippocrene to spring forth from Mount Helicon.
Unicorn
(Heraldry) A representation of this beast, having a horse's body, a stag's legs, a lion's tail, and a straight spiral horn growing from its forehead, especially employed as a supporter for the Royal Arms of Great Britain or of Scotland.
Pegasus
A constellation in the Northern Hemisphere near Aquarius and Andromeda.
Unicorn
Unicorn The constellation Monoceros.
Pegasus
A winged horse (imaginary or mythical, sometimes figurative).
Unicorn
Something that is greatly desired but difficult or impossible to find
“Is antigravity the unicorn of physics? Or do we simply lack the strategy and bait to catch it in an experimental snare?” (Jerome Groopman).
Pegasus
A winged horse fabled to have sprung from the body of Medusa when she was slain. He is noted for causing, with a blow of his hoof, Hippocrene, the inspiring fountain of the Muses, to spring from Mount Helicon. On this account he is, in modern times, associated with the Muses, and with ideas of poetic inspiration.
Each spurs his jaded Pegasus apace.
Unicorn
(Business) A startup company valued at one billion dollars or more.
Pegasus
A northen constellation near the vernal equinoctial point. Its three brightest stars, with the brightest star of Andromeda, form the square of Pegasus.
Unicorn
A mythical beast resembling a horse or deer with a single, straight, spiraled horn projecting from its forehead.
Pegasus
A genus of small fishes, having large pectoral fins, and the body covered with hard, bony plates. Several species are known from the East Indies and China.
Unicorn
(historical) In various Bible translations, used to render the Latin rhinoceros (representing Hebrew ):}} a reem or wild ox.
Pegasus
(Greek mythology) immortal winged horse that sprang from the blood of the slain Medusa; was tamed by Bellerophon with the help of a bridle given him by Athena; as the flying horse of the Muses it is a symbol of high-flying imagination
Unicorn
Any large beetle having a horn-like prominence on the head or prothorax, especially the Hercules beetle, Dynastes tityus.
Pegasus
A constellation in the northern hemisphere near Andromeda and Pisces
Unicorn
A caterpillar, Schizura unicornis, with a large thorn-like spine on the back near its head.
Pegasus
A term sometimes used to describe anything related to flight due to its wings.
The new Pegasus model airplane was a hit among enthusiasts.
Unicorn
The kamichi, or unicorn bird.
Unicorn
(military) A howitzer.
Unicorn
Someone or something that is rare and hard to find.
Unicorn
A single, usually bisexual woman who participates in swinging or polyamory.
Unicorn
(business) A person with multidisciplinary expertise, especially three or more skills in a young field such as UX design or data science (e.g., domain knowledge, statistics, and software engineering).
Purple squirrel
Unicorn
(finance) A startup company whose valuation has exceeded one billion U.S. dollars, which is solely backed by venture capitalists, and which has yet to have an IPO.
Unicorn
(attributive) Being many (especially pastel) colours; multicoloured.
Unicorn smoothies
Unicorn
(historical) A 15th-century Scottish gold coin worth 18 shillings, bearing the image of a unicorn.
Unicorn
(sexual slang) To participate in a sexual threesome as a bisexual addition to an established heterosexual couple.
Unicorn
(finance) To exceed a valuation of one billion U.S. dollars, while solely backed by venture capitalists.
Unicorn
Having one horn.
Unicorn
A fabulous animal with one horn; the monoceros; - often represented in heraldry as a supporter.
Unicorn
A two-horned animal of some unknown kind, so called in the Authorized Version of the Scriptures.
Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow?
Unicorn
Any large beetle having a hornlike prominence on the head or prothorax.
Unicorn
The kamichi; - called also unicorn bird.
Unicorn
A howitzer.
Unicorn
An imaginary creature represented as a white horse with a long horn growing from its forehead
Unicorn
A symbol of purity and grace.
The unicorn often appears as a protector of the innocent.
FAQs
Do unicorns have wings?
Typically, unicorns are not depicted with wings; those are attributes of Pegasus.
What is Pegasus?
Pegasus is a winged horse from Greek mythology.
Are unicorns real?
Unicorns, as commonly depicted, are mythical and are not considered real creatures.
Can unicorns fly in any myths?
While traditional unicorns don't fly, some modern interpretations or fictional adaptations might give them this ability.
Is Pegasus a god?
No, Pegasus is not a god but a mythical creature. However, he is associated with the gods in various myths.
What does a unicorn horn symbolize?
It often symbolizes purity, magic, and innocence.
How are unicorns and Pegasus typically depicted in art?
Unicorns are often shown as elegant, white horses with a spiral horn, while Pegasus is depicted as a majestic horse with large, feathered wings.
What is a unicorn?
A unicorn is a mythical creature that resembles a horse and has a single horn on its forehead.
Where did Pegasus come from in Greek myth?
Pegasus was born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was slain.
Why is Pegasus associated with poets?
Pegasus is believed to have created the Hippocrene spring, a source of poetic inspiration, with a stamp of his hoof.
Did anyone ride Pegasus?
Yes, in Greek mythology, Bellerophon tamed and rode Pegasus.
Why are unicorns and Pegasus so popular in modern culture?
Their majestic and magical attributes make them appealing, representing freedom, beauty, purity, and the unattainable.
Where did the story of Pegasus originate?
The story of Pegasus is rooted in ancient Greek mythology.
Are there any cultures where unicorns are seen differently?
Yes, in some Asian cultures, unicorns are dragon-like creatures symbolizing power and prosperity.
Did Pegasus ever have any offspring?
In some myths, Pegasus is believed to have sired Celeris and Melanippe.
Do unicorns and Pegasus ever appear together in myths?
While both are popular in mythology, they typically appear in separate tales and traditions.
What's the modern meaning of a "unicorn" in business?
In the business world, especially tech, a "unicorn" is a startup company valued at over $1 billion.
Is Pegasus related to any other mythical creatures?
Pegasus is related to Chrysaor, being born at the same time from Medusa's blood.
What do unicorns and Pegasus have in common?
Both are mythical creatures that resemble horses and are often associated with magical or divine qualities.
Where can I find stories about unicorns?
Unicorn tales are present in various cultures' mythologies, folklore, and modern literature.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
