She did not look anything like a horned horse, as unicorns are often pictured, being smaller and cloven-hoofed, and possessing that oldest, wildest grace that horses have never had, that deer have only in a shy, thin imitation and goats in dancing mockery.
The description of the creature contrasts sharply with the typical image of a unicorn as a majestic horned horse. Instead, the creature is depicted as smaller, cloven-hoofed, and possessing a unique grace that is distinctly different from that of horses, deer, or goats. This highlights its wildness and ancient beauty, suggesting it embodies a purity that transcends the usual depictions of mythical creatures.
This portrayal challenges readers' expectations and invites them to reconsider the nature of unicorns. Rather than fitting within a typical mold, this creature takes on an almost ethereal quality, hinting at deeper themes of nature and magic. The distinction emphasizes the rarity and uniqueness of its existence, reflecting broader ideas about the untamed aspects of life that are often overlooked in more conventional representations.
