Unicorn horn

Unicorn horn
Potion ingredient information
Taken from	Unicorns
Properties	Purifying properties
Physical characteristics	White in colour
Preparation	Ground
Used in	Antidote to Common Poisons Draught of Peace Wiggenweld Potion Oculus Potion Blood-Replenishing Potion Scintillation Solution

Firenze: "Harry Potter, do you know what unicorn blood is used for?"

Harry Potter: "No. We’ve only used the horn and tail hair in Potions."

— An important discussion regarding unicorn parts

The horn of a unicorn had magical properties that made it a useful ingredient in potions, such as the Antidote to Common Poisons. In classical myths, unicorn horns had purification properties which were used to dissolve poisons. This could be why it was used in the Antidote to Common Poisons.

History

Ground unicorn horn

There was a lively Muggle trade in unicorn horn, which they believed to have medicinal properties. However, most of these supposed horns were fake, and the few real ones that did pass into Muggle possession were useless to non-wizards.

On 31 July 1991, unicorn horns were sold at the Apothecary in Diagon Alley for twenty-one Galleons each.

In the 1991–1992 school year, first-year students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry used unicorn horn in their Potions classes.

They were also used as food additives, since Honeydukes Liquorice Wands were advertised as being free from them.

Behind the scenes

• It is likely that under normal circumstances, horns are only taken from unicorns that have already died, since Firenze remarks that "it is a monstrous thing, to slay a unicorn". It may also be possible that the horn can be taken without killing the unicorn, perhaps if they shed and regrow them much like deer do antlers, or that only a small part of the horn is taken from a living unicorn.
• During Medieval Times, Narwhal tusks, a single long, spiral tooth, predominantly grown by males, were believed by Europeans to be the horn of a unicorn. In addition to their value as curiosities, they were often made into cups in an attempt to take advantage of a unicorn horn's believed anti-poison properties. Because of this, northern traders like Norsemen could sell such tusks for many times their weight in gold.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (play) (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film) (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
• J. K. Rowling's official site
• Pottermore
• Harry Potter (website)
• Harry Potter Trading Card Game
• Harry Potter: The Character Vault (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: The Creature Vault
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
• Wonderbook: Book of Potions
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
• Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened