The Tree

The Tree is a vital part of the Quest for the Unicorn. Here a maiden should sit and sing or plait flowers into wreaths and wait for the unicorn. It is also important that the tree be in a forest; the hunters must have a place to hide. The unicorn approaches the maiden if she is alone and she must be gentle. The unicorn will lay its head in her lap, allowing her to put a halter or rope on it. The hunters can then kill the unicorn--it will not run away. There are many occurences where the unicorn does not need to be restrained, however; he will quietly and happily die in the maiden's arms.