The Lost Unicorn

Michelle Snyder, M. Phil.

“Once upon a time, when great kings and powerful wizards ruled the earth, there was a small but charming kingdom called Tomenshire. Nestled on the banks of the Sparkling River at the edge of the Great Forest, Tomenshire enjoyed the beauty of waterfalls and the majesty of giant trees so old no one could remember when they weren't there. The royal palace stood on its highest hill. Colorful flags flew gracefully in the breeze high above the turrets; snatches of green, purple, and gold dancing gaily in the clear blue sky. Tomenshire was small as monarchies go – half the size of its closest neighbor, Barrenid – but powerful nonetheless. In spite of its size, or lack thereof, there were many magnificent treasures: the Royal Library, the Royal Observatory, and the Royal Gardens, each one alone worthy of a kingdom. But Tomenshire’s favorite treasure was their beautiful princess; all the kingdom called her the Fair One of the Golden Locks – and many believed she was the one who would fulfill the prophecy. Shyla was the only child of Queen Trianna and King Duendes. Trianna was truly beautiful; her golden hair fell to her ankles, her fair skin and crystal blue eyes were second in beauty only to her graceful manner. She led her kingdom with the kind of intelligence and compassion that was rare, even among nobility. This was the kind of queen Shyla was expected to become. In spite of her impetuous nature, Shyla was a reflection of her mother and would soon prove herself truly worthy of her heritage. Princess Shyla stood in the Observatory, in the tallest tower where the entire kingdom could be seen, admiring the natural beauty and longing to be out there in it. Almost fifteen, she often came here to think about what it might be like not to be a princess. Princesses in Tomenshire were well educated in astronomy, weaving, and horticulture, and were discouraged from engaging in activities more suited for men, such as masonry, riding horses, or shooting arrows; all of which fascinated Shyla.” (from The Lost Unicorn, chapter 1.)

Unicorns are fabulous creatures, still popular in modern stories, movies, and art. They have an ancient history and are connected with ancient Celtic monarchies, and the charming princes of fairy tales. Stories about the lives of ancient kings and queens have been recorded and preserved through the generations as children’s stories, populated with elves and giants, fairies and mermaids, and unicorns.

After several publications about the history of these and other symbols, I have written my first fiction, “The Lost Unicorn.” This lighthearted story is an original fairy tale based on the meaning of the unicorn symbol as used by an ancient northern European civilization lost in the mist of time. Already a five-star book, it is written with all the elements of well-loved childhood stories, and like our favorite fairy tales, will be read to children over and over.

Many authors are asked if they base their stories on real life, on the people they know. My family was a source of inspiration for this magical adventure. I found my youngest daughter was a great character study for my first princess – Shyla. I was also inspired by the Snow White and Prince Charming characters. I love their story and always suspected it was based on the lives of real people from Once-Upon-a-Time long ago. Now I know who they were, and can tell about their amazing lives in my own stories, a series of original fairy tales featuring fairies, mermaids, dragons, and other popular literary characters.

Heroes, villains, and maidens are universally understood; they are recognizable archetypes in every culture. Stories with heroes saving maidens from villains are found around the world. “The Lost Unicorn” captures the magic, heroics, and happily-ever-after of ancient fairy tales. You will be introduced to talking fish, magical fairies, evil wizards, and kings and queens of old. “The Lost Unicorn” is a family friendly adventure where a strong willed princess and love stricken prince can live happily ever after – after thwarting the evil wizard and a harrowing rescue, that is!