Writing Prompt: What would life be like if unicorns and dragons existed?
If unicorns and dragons existed, I fear they would’ve been hunted to extinction by now. Let’s start with unicorns. They’re beautiful creatures and often regarded as pure and magical with incredible abilities like healing the sick, and providing long life and happiness. Let’s not forget what they’re named after, their horn. The sad truth is that we live in a greedy world. One where elephants and rhinos are hunted due to their ivory. If ivory is so coveted, imagine how envious people would be of a unicorn’s horn. Yet, if people aren’t trying to kill unicorns for their horn, then they’re trying to traffic them for their powers. Large cats like leopards and cheetahs are trafficked for their pelts and sold as exotic pets. Yes. There are people trying to help these animals, trying to stop the trafficking and the black market, but if you consider all of history, would these advocates for animals risen up in time to save unicorns?
Then, there’s dragons. Incredible, large, fire-breathing, flying lizards with razor sharp teeth and claws, and wicked tails. These amazing beasts would definitely fight back against humanity, but I fear they would be too feared by rulers throughout time, that–for the good of the people–dragons would be hunted to extinction. We hear about it all the time in our fairy tales and legends. The knights go off to slay the dragon, save the maiden, and bring glory to the day. Then, you have the stories like “How to Train Your Dragon.” They teach that not animals–dragons–should be feared, but we can work and live alongside them. Well, if you haven’t seen “How to Train Your Dragon 3” stop reading right here, because at the end of the movie, Hiccup and his people give up their dragons because the world isn’t ready to accept dragons. There are too many dragon hunters, and people don’t understand that with mutual respect, dragons are nothing to be feared. I feel like those movies hit society on the nail head with that one.
Perhaps my response to this writing prompt betrays my lack of faith in humanity. I would love to be wrong. I would love for the existence of unicorns and dragons to teach humanity unity and goodness. Strength and compassion. However, there’s no way we could ever know for sure. All we can do is speculate, so your guess is as good as mine.
I would definitely try to befriend a unicorn or dragon though.
nikki diekemper 