harry potter - Why did Voldemort need to drink Unicorn blood?

"[...] it is a monstrous thing, to slay a unicorn. Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime. The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible price. You have slain something pure and defenceless to save yourself, and you will have but a half-life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips."

- Firenze, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

In the first Harry Potter book/movie, we found Voldemort drinking Unicorn blood. Why did he need Unicorn blood to stay alive? Maybe, a unicorn blood works on undead soul, but wasn't he already protected by his Horcruxes in terms of being kept alive?

Answer

See what I have become?' the face said. 'Mere shadow and vapour... I have form only when I can share another's body... but there have always been those willing to let me into their hearts and minds... Unicorn blood has strengthened me, these past weeks... you saw faithful Quirrell drinking it for me in the Forest... and once I have the Elixir of Life, I will be able to create a body of my own... (Philosopher's Stone)

He needs Unicorn blood to strengthen himself. Without it, as per Quirrel's worries, he was even weaker:

'Master, you are not strong enough!'
'I have strength enough... for this...'

Comments

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