Legendary ‘Unicorn’ Skull Unearthed Near King Arthur’s Tintagel Castle in Cornwall
Mysterious ‘Unicorn Skull’ Found Near King Arthur’s Castle Sparks Legend and Skepticism
[Image: A weathered skull with a large horn emerging from its forehead lies partially buried in moss near a cliff edge. Caption: The mysterious skull discovered near Tintagel Castle, Cornwall.]
A Canadian tourist stumbled upon a peculiar skull bearing a single curved horn near Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, England—a site steeped in Arthurian legend. John Goodwin spotted the horn protruding from moss on a cliffside path at St. Nectan’s Glen, a wooded valley near the castle ruins where King Arthur is said to have been born. The eerie find has ignited speculation about its origins, with some dubbing it a “unicorn skull.”
“I pulled it out and thought it must be a deer, but realized it only had one horn,” Goodwin told Cornwall Live. “It was heavy, old bone—too small for a rhino but unusual no matter what.” Local folklore ties the area to King Arthur, who, according to legend, slew a unicorn, cursing his kingdom. Yet experts remain skeptical of the skull’s authenticity.
[Image: Ruins of Tintagel Castle overlooking the sea. Caption: Tintagel Castle, linked to King Arthur’s myth, attracts legends and tourists alike.]
Goodwin’s grandmother reportedly felt uneasy about the skull, urging him to leave it behind. He temporarily stored it at The Stonehenge Inn in Wiltshire, where it remains on display. The pub’s bartender traded “unlimited ale” for the artifact, now dubbed the “Sadie-James skull” in honor of Goodwin’s grandparents.
Professor David Norman, a Cambridge paleontologist, dismissed the find as a probable hoax: “It looks like a pony’s skull with a cow horn glued on.” He suggested the stunt might boost pub traffic. While unicorns are Scotland’s national symbol, no evidence supports their existence.
[Image: Illustration of King Arthur holding Excalibur. Caption: King Arthur, a mythical warrior, is central to British legends of magic and heroism.]
Legends and History Intertwined
Tintagel Castle’s ties to Arthurian tales date to the 12th century, when Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote of Arthur’s conception there. Though the current ruins are 13th-century, the site has been inhabited since Roman times. Archaeologists have found Mediterranean trade artifacts, suggesting it was once a hub of activity.
The skull’s discovery adds intrigue to the area’s mystical reputation. Whether a prank or misidentified animal remains, it captivates those drawn to Cornwall’s blend of history and myth. As Goodwin said, “Whether it’s a genuine unicorn—that I don’t know.”
[Image: Medieval manuscript depicting a unicorn. Caption: Unicorns, though mythical, symbolize purity and magic in European folklore.]
Final Resting Place: A Pub
The skull now greets patrons at The Stonehenge Inn, sparking conversations over pints. While experts question its origins, the tale echoes Cornwall’s enduring allure—where legend and landscape collide.
Brief History of King Arthur
Arthur, a legendary 5th-6th century British leader, is said to have defended Britain from Saxon invaders. Stories of his sword Excalibur, wizard Merlin, and Camelot remain iconic, though historians debate his existence. Tintagel’s rugged cliffs and ancient ruins keep his myth alive.
[Image: Aerial view of Tintagel Castle’s ruins and coastline. Caption: Tintagel’s dramatic geography fuels its association with Arthurian legend.]
Whether the skull is a clever hoax or a curious relic, it underscores humanity’s timeless fascination with blending mystery and history. As Norman quipped, “It may boost beer sales, if nothing else.”
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