The onslaught of movies released in the 80s that focused on fantasy and mythological realms brought attention to two of the most beloved fictional creatures of lore, the Unicorn and the high-flying Pegasus. For little girls who already had a strong affinity for all things horsie-related, these loveable hoofed animals were right up their alley. And since a pony had long been part of their collective wish lists, it only made sense that one that could fly to the heavens would be about the best thing a little girl could ever hope for.

According to mythology, the Pegasus, born from the blood of the decapitated Medusa, symbolized freedom and a better world beyond. Roaming freely on earth, their powerful wings could carry them all the way to heaven. And when the 1981 film, Clash of the Titans was released, the Pegasus was shown in all its winged glory and flew right into the hearts of little girls everywhere. The following year, the loving and single-horned cousin, the Unicorn, got its own share of screen time in The Last Unicorn, capturing the fabled creature in all its gentle, golden-horned beauty. (And speaking of capturing, it should be noted that only a pure virginal maiden possesses the ability to capture a Unicorn. Britney Spears will just have to do without.)

Now, screen stars in their own right, the Unicorn and Pegasus, took the path of many a savvy Hollywood star and followed the well-trodden path towards merchandising. Everywhere one looked, these mythical beasts started popping up – on T-shirts, bookbags, stuffed animals, bedding, and dangling necklace charms. If you were a little girl in the 80s, it is almost certain that there was a Unicorn or three in your collection.