Quiffin

Quiffins resemble long-necked unicorns, except that they have no horn and can fly. Taxonomically, quiffins are closer to deer and llamas than to horses.

In children's literature, the Quiffin is a mythic animal that resembles a white llama or a long-necked unicorn without a horn.

Characterization

Quiffins graze in the forests of Scandinavian countries, particularly forests near the Oresund separating Sweden from Denmark. Quiffins can fly, although they prefer to walk; quiffins can also swim over twelve miles if need be, although they are not fond of water. Quiffins were first described in Hans Peterson's book, Liselott och garaffen, which won the 1962 Children's Book of the Year in Sweden and which was translated into English as Liselott and the Quiffin.

Quiffins are ordinarily shy, but they have several properties that endear them to children whom they choose to befriend. First and foremost, they think only good thoughts about their friends, and vice versa. Secondly, they are elegant and graceful creatures, and comfortable in many situations, whether standing in the rain, resting in a hastily built house, or swaying in the boughs of a tree into which they have flown. They are very obliging, and gladly perform tricks to amuse their friends. They are also very patient, always remembering their friends and always willing to comfort them, no matter how many years have passed since their last meeting. Finally, quiffins have cloven hooves and beautiful white fur that is warm and comforting even when wet.