When We Think of Magic

What Happened to the Unicorns?

The magic powers attributed to unicorn horns were varied. According to some medieval recipes, "To make an ointment against leprosy, take some unicorn liver, grind it up and mash with egg yolk."

"To avert attack by plague or fever, take some unicorn pelt, make a belt from it, and tie it around the body."

"Shoes cut from unicorn leather assure healthy feet, thighs, and joints."

The magic of unicorn was considered protective and rulers would fashion cups, sword handles and clothing from unicorn material. Drinking from whole horns would ward off poison and it was treasured more than ten times its weight in gold.

"The shavings of a unicorn's horn, if given in a potion, are an antidote to poisonous drugs."

Queen Elizabeth I's unicorn horn was valued at 10,000 pounds, an exorbitant sum in the 16th century, equal to $80,000 to $100,000 today.

Maybe the reason there are no more unicorns is simply a matter of greed.

History of the Unicorn

Chinese Unicorn Kilin pronounced chee-lin which is a combination of both ki, the male, Lin the female unicorn. It lives for 1,000 years. It is careful not to tread on even the tiniest living thing and will eat only plant life that is no longer living. If we do not see a unicorn it suggest we are living in bad times. They only appear in good times.

Japanese  it is known as Kirin, is shaggy mane with bull like body. It is feared and detects guilt in legal disputes.

Arabian unicorn is kown as karkadann has magical qualities to protect against poison.

First sighting Adam beginning of time, Garden of Eden

5,000 years ago in China
2697 B.C. in China
2,000 B.C. in China
551 - 479 B.C. in China
4th Century B.C. in India
3rd Century B.C. in Asia
1st Century B.C. in Germany
Mid I I 00s in Asia
Early 1200s in India

" ... Well, now that we have seen each other," said the Unicorn, "If you'll believe in me, I'll believe in you."  --Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll