Legends of Belariath

Unicorns

A unicorn is a creature of mythological wonder and rumor. It is believed by some that the unicorn is only one of the many forms that Gods can take. Others believe it to be a true creature that lives in remote parts of the woods, its numbers small due to hunters. Looking like a regular horse, its fur is not always a white or silvery color. Colors of black or a combination can be found though are a rarity. What sets it apart from a regular horse is a single horn extending form its head.

Their horns, which are spiraled (tightly or loosely), can be white, gold, black, or even rainbow colored, depending on the age of the unicorn. Both males and females grow horns, but as with most other animals, the female horns are smaller. While the males horn continue to grow throughout its lifetime the females stops growing once the mare reaches maturity. The horn of a youth is normally pure white, not gaining its color until it reaches maturity. The horn itself is said to contain powerful magic, and is the life force of the unicorn. If a horn was cut or broken from the unicorn’s head the unicorn would die, though reattaching the horn has been said in legends to return the unicorn to life. The horn being made of an extremely strong substance along with it’s magical powers is said to be the reason that there are so few unicorns left. When they’re numbers were plentiful they were hunted and slain for they’re horns.

Males are thought to be extremely territorial during the mating season. They will attack other males presumable to keep them away from potential mates. Female unicorns are the most attracted to the male with the largest horn. They are believed to be sexually active in the fall, and have young in the spring. Gestation is roughly the same time for unicorns that it is for humans - 9 months. The female then leaves the males territory and secludes herself in the forest for the winter.

It is also said that unicorns are attracted to virgins. The unicorn being a symbol of purity might explain this attraction. It is fabled that if the horn of a unicorn passes through the heart of a woman without damage that she is truly a virgin.

NOTE: Due to the tragic death of the player of Vasava, our unicorn, this race is included for reference only. They will never again be played in Belariath.