Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn captivates readers with its lyrical prose and enchanting storyline, appealing to fans of fantasy. Praise frequently highlights its deep themes and memorable characters. Criticisms focus on its pacing and moments of dated language. Overall, it remains a beloved classic with a few minor drawbacks.

Readers who relish richly woven fantasy tales like The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis or The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien will find The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle enthralling. This book appeals to those who appreciate lyrical prose, timeless quests, and deeply poetic storytelling.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle is a fantasy novel about an immortal unicorn who leaves her forest to find the rest of her kind, who have disappeared. Along her journey, she faces numerous challenges, encounters allies such as Schmendrick the magician and Molly Grue, and ultimately confronts the mysterious Red Bull and its master, King Haggard. The novel delves into themes of mortality, transformation, and the nature of true heroism.

Fantastical / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Mysterious

- Published in 1968, The Last Unicorn initially faced modest sales but has since become a beloved classic, noted for its poetic prose and profound themes.
- The book was adapted into a successful animated film in 1982, featuring the voices of celebrities such as Mia Farrow and Jeff Bridges.
- Author Peter S. Beagle won the Hugo Award for Best Semi-Prozine in 2006 for his work on The Last Unicorn series, highlighting the lasting impact of his original novel.

**The Unicorn/Lady Amalthea**  
The protagonist whose quest is to discover what happened to the rest of the unicorns. She undergoes significant transformation, both physically and mentally, during her journey.

**Schmendrick the Magician**  
A magician with untamed abilities, who struggles to control his magic. His development is marked by his journey toward mastering his powers while assisting the unicorn on her quest.

**Molly Grue**  
An experienced woman who has lived a challenging outlaw life. Her encounter with the unicorn brings a renewed sense of purpose and wonder to her existence.

**Prince Lír**  
The adopted son of King Haggard, who evolves from a seemingly unremarkable young man into a hero inspired by his love for Lady Amalthea.

**King Haggard**  
A joyless ruler living in a barren castle by the sea, whose only source of happiness comes from watching unicorns.  

**The Red Bull**  
A powerful and fearsome creature that serves King Haggard by driving the unicorns into the sea, acting without conscience or reason.

**Mommy Fortuna**  
The operator of a mystical carnival who temporarily captures the unicorn and a magical harpy, portraying them to the world through deceptive illusions.

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