Metaphor for Maturity
The Unicorn’s transformation from her unicorn form to her human form is a metaphor for maturity, a movement from fantasy, such as childish whimsy, to reality, the more “adult” pursuits such as romance and family. In her natural unicorn form she is immortal and completely set apart from matters that concern humanity--dreams, aspirations, fear, and even love--as such things simply don’t matter for enchanted creatures. All this changes however when she is transformed into a human woman however and now she experiences a whole range of emotions as well as the very real possibility of death as she is now mortal. In addition to this her human form is every bit as beautiful and she attracts the attention of Prince Lír and she is exposed to romantic love.
Metaphor for Fear of Change and Uncertainty/Relentless Greed
The Red Bull, for reasons not clearly disclosed, seems to cause a mad, mindless panic in the unicorns. Despite their magic they can do nothing but flee from it, allowing them to be herded into the sea for King Haggard’s pleasure. Later, The Unicorn/Lady Amalthea is able to defeat the Bull by herself, proving that there was no reason to have been that frightened of it in the first place. In that regard it can be said that the Bull embodies the fear of change and/or the fear of uncertainty. The Red Bull is powerful and menacing enchanted creature but it is also blind and subject to King Haggard’s will.
Metaphor for Human Drives and Desire
Magic and magical creatures are metaphors for human desires and forces beyond their control that they, ironically, seek to dominate. For King Haggard, unicorns are a metaphor for his obsession to find joy and contentment, for Mommy Fortuna, the harpy Celaeno embodies her desire for immortality and the certainty of death.
Metaphor for Human Will/Grit
An interesting metaphor for the human will or grit is the mechanics of magic and the encounter with magical creatures in the universe of The Last Unicorn. Magic that is wielded by immortals, whether sentient magical beasts or mages, cannot produce the awesome feats one typically associates with the supernatural. Take Schmedrick’s faulty magic and the magical effects produced by The Unicorn/Amalthea. Both characters are aware of the limitations of their magic and thus would rather rely upon their natural abilities and training rather than magic to keep them safe. Molly Grue is also an interesting representation of this idea. Molly waits for “something magical” to happen to her, such as seeing a unicorn. When she finally gets to see a unicorn she comments, “What took you so long?” This is an assertion that if one wants anything “magical” to happen in their lives one must take the initiative to make it happen. Magic must be made and not merely experienced.
