Abath

The Abath is a mythical creature said to have inhabited the rainforests of the Malay Peninsula during the 16th century. Described as the female counterpart of the unicorn, it was characterized by a single horn on its head. This horn was highly valued as both an aphrodisiac and an antidote for poisons, making it a coveted item in trade, particularly with Arab merchants. The trade in these so-called unicorn horns was controlled as a royal monopoly. Modern scholars believe this legendary creature likely refers to the present-day Malaysian rhinoceros, specifically the Sumatran rhinoceros, which was once native to the region.