In "The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle, the story explores the magical journey of a unicorn who believes she is the last of her kind. As she seeks to discover what has happened to her fellow unicorns, she encounters various characters, including a magician who perceives the unicorn in a profound way. His view of her is filled with poetic imagery and reflects his inner turmoil and search for meaning.
The phrase "to the magician's eyes the unicorn was the moon, cold and white and very old, lighting his way to safety, or to madness" suggests that the unicorn represents something eternal and guiding for the magician. The moon, often associated with mystery and the subconscious, mirrors the magician’s own struggles and the duality of finding solace while risking insanity. This profound connection highlights the broader themes of searching for identity and the fine line between enlightenment and madness.