The books > What is the symbolism of the Lion and the Unicorn?

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

Does anyone know if the lion and the unicorn who fight for the crown in Through the Looking Glass are symbolic of actual events that took place? Just a curious thought as I am reading this book a second time and was wondering about the meaning of it.

[The Queen of Hearts]

It's often thought to refer to the British coat of arms, which was created when England (represented by the lion) and Scotland (represented by the unicorn) were united in the 17th century. However, according to The Annotated Mother Goose by William S. Baring-Gould, "it was stated in the earliest English natural books that the lion and unicorn were mortal enemies, and the legend is much more ancient than that." I'm not sure how accurate the later is, but it's something to consider.

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

Curious indeed! I didn't realize the ancient and royal symbolism of these creatures. Thank you for your insight!