Magic horns? Life-saving blood? The magic of unicorns

Unicorns have appeared in stories since time began.

Almost always, the mythical creatures are described as having some magical power. These powers change depending on who’s telling the story.

Here are a few superpowers that different people have given their fictional unicorns. Which of these supernatural gifts is your favorite?

A horn that protects from poison

During the Middle Ages, royals believed a unicorn’s horn could protect them from poison.

According to The History Channel, Queen Elizabeth I bought a spiral unicorn horn for 10,000 pounds. She also had a cup made of unicorn horn and believed if someone slipped poison in it, her cup would explode.

Of course, no royal had a real unicorn horn. They were fakes — most were the spiral horns of narwhals.

Healing blood

In the Harry Potter series, unicorn blood is a magical substance that can save you from dying. But killing a unicorn has horrible consequences.

“You have slain something pure and defenseless to save yourself, and you will have but a half-life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips,” according to one of the books.

Telekinesis and teleportation

In the My Little Pony TV show, unicorns can use magic and cast spells. It’s common for unicorns in this show to be able to use levitation and telekinesis — lifting and moving things without touching them.

In one episode, even a baby unicorn can do all of these tricks. According to My Little Pony’s Fandom page, the character Pumpkin Cake can teleport, move through things and break the locks around her toys.