Elesh Norn is a powerful legendary creature card in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It is a Phyrexian praetor from the New Phyrexia expansion set and has become a staple in many decks due to its potent abilities.
Elesh Norn is a white creature with vigilance. She has the ability to punish opponents for dealing damage to you or your permanents.
The card mechanics of Elesh Norn make it an excellent choice for any deck that utilizes white mana.
Its vigilance allows it to attack and block at the same time, making it a versatile creature in combat.
Additionally, its ability to punish opponents for dealing damage to you or your permanents can be a powerful deterrent against aggressive decks.
Key Takeaways
- Elesh Norn is a powerful legendary creature card in Magic: The Gathering.
- Its vigilance and ability to punish opponents make it a versatile and potent creature.
- Elesh Norn is an excellent addition to any deck that utilizes white mana.
Elesh Norn Overview
As an avid Magic: The Gathering player, I have always been fascinated by the legendary creature, Elesh Norn.
Elesh Norn is a Phyrexian Praetor, a powerful being from the plane of Mirrodin who seeks to bring perfection to all things.
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
Elesh Norn is a 4/7 vigilance creature with a converted mana cost of 7. She is a white creature, which means she is aligned with the ideals of order, law, and morality.
Her vigilance ability means that she does not tap when attacking, which makes her a formidable defender as well as attacker.
Elesh Norn is also a legendary creature, which means that only one copy of her can be on the battlefield at any given time.
Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines
Elesh Norn is also known as the Mother of Machines. This is because she has a deep connection to the Phyrexian war machines, which she sees as the ultimate expression of perfection.
She is a master of the machines, and she can manipulate them to do her bidding.
Her power and influence over the machines is so great that she is often seen as the de facto leader of the Phyrexian Praetors.
Card Mechanics
Control and Influence
As a legendary creature, Elesh Norn can be cast as a commander or included in a deck as one of the 99 cards. She has a converted mana cost of 7, making her a high-cost card to cast.
However, her abilities make her a formidable presence on the battlefield.
Elesh Norn has vigilance, which allows her to attack and defend without tapping.
Additionally, she grants all of your creatures +2/+2, while simultaneously reducing all of your opponents’ creatures’ power and toughness by -2/-2. This makes it easier to control the battlefield and influence the outcome of battles.
Permanent Interaction
Elesh Norn’s abilities affect all creatures on the battlefield, including tokens. This means that she can be a powerful tool for controlling token-based decks.
Additionally, Elesh Norn’s abilities are not limited to creatures.
She can also interact with other permanent types, such as artifacts and enchantments.
This makes her a versatile card that can be used in a variety of situations.
Token Generation
Elesh Norn’s abilities can also be used to generate tokens.
For example, if you have a creature with the ability to create tokens when it enters the battlefield, such as Avenger of Zendikar, Elesh Norn’s ability will increase the power and toughness of those tokens.
Additionally, Elesh Norn’s ability to reduce the power and toughness of your opponents’ creatures can make it easier to attack and destroy them, which can generate additional tokens.
Card Synergies and Deck Building
Synergy with Other Permanents
Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines has a powerful effect that doubles your ETB abilities and shuts off your opponents’ ETBs. This makes it a great card to build around in a variety of decks.
One of the best synergies with Elesh Norn is with other creatures that create tokens.
Cards like [[Argent Etchings]] and [[Incubator Tokens]] become even more powerful with Elesh Norn on the battlefield.
In addition to token generators, Elesh Norn also has great synergy with artifacts.
Cards like [[Blasting Station]] and [[Krark-Clan Ironworks]] can be used to sacrifice your own creatures for value, and Elesh Norn can turn those creatures into powerful threats while also shutting down your opponents’ creatures.
Deck Types Incorporating Elesh Norn
Elesh Norn can be used in a variety of decks, but it is most commonly seen in mono-white decks that focus on controlling the board with powerful creatures and spells.
One popular deck type is the “Elesh Norn tribal” deck, which focuses on playing as many creatures with the Phyrexian subtype as possible. This allows you to take advantage of Elesh Norn’s second ability, which gives all Phyrexian creatures +2/+2.
Another popular deck type is the “Elesh Norn Stax” deck, which uses Elesh Norn to shut down your opponents’ creatures while you build up your own board state.
This deck typically runs a lot of removal spells and board wipes to control the board, as well as a variety of artifacts and enchantments that can help lock down your opponents’ resources.
Gameplay Strategies
As a seasoned Elesh Norn player, I have found that there are two key gameplay strategies that are particularly effective when using this card: utilizing vigilance and maximizing card effects.
Utilizing Vigilance
One of the biggest advantages of Elesh Norn is that it has vigilance, meaning it can attack and block without tapping.
This is especially useful when you want to keep your defenses up while still dealing damage to your opponent.
By utilizing vigilance, you can keep Elesh Norn on the battlefield longer and deal more damage to your opponent.
Maximizing Card Effects
Another key strategy for playing Elesh Norn is to maximize the card’s effects.
For example, Elesh Norn doubles your ETB abilities, meaning you can get twice the value out of cards like Restoration Angel or Cloudgoat Ranger.
Additionally, Elesh Norn is a stax piece that shuts off your opponents’ ETBs, making it difficult for them to gain an advantage.
By maximizing these effects, you can gain a significant advantage over your opponent.
Elesh Norn Lore and Art
Phyrexian Backstory
As an avid MTG player, I have always been intrigued by the lore behind each card. Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is no exception.
Elesh Norn is a Phyrexian Praetor, a powerful entity in the Phyrexian army. Phyrexians are a race of beings that seek to achieve perfection through the merging of flesh and machine.
Their goal is to transform all life in the multiverse into Phyrexians, creating a perfect world in their image.
Elesh Norn was created by the Phyrexians on the plane of Mirrodin, which they invaded and corrupted.
She was born under the influence of the White Sun, one of the five suns of Mirrodin, and quickly rose to power as a leader of the Phyrexian army.
Her ultimate goal is to spread the Phyrexian corruption to other planes and achieve perfection.
Artistic Representation
Elesh Norn’s artistic representation is a testament to the incredible talent of Magali Villeneuve, the artist who created the card’s artwork.
The card depicts Elesh Norn as a towering, imposing figure, with metallic armor and intricate machinery protruding from her body.
Her face is twisted in a cruel, menacing expression, and she holds a staff adorned with a skull.
The artwork perfectly captures the essence of Elesh Norn as a powerful, terrifying entity.
The use of metallic colors and intricate details on her armor and machinery emphasize her cold, mechanical nature.
The skull on her staff serves as a reminder of the death and destruction she brings in her wake.
Card Legality and Formats
Elesh Norn in Different Formats
As a Magic: The Gathering player, I know that card legality and formats are crucial aspects of the game. Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is a powerful card that has been played in various formats throughout the years.
In this section, I will discuss the legality of Elesh Norn in different formats.
Standard Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is not legal in Standard format. This means that players cannot use this card in Standard tournaments or events.
Alchemy Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is not legal in Alchemy format. This format is a subset of Standard that allows for additional cards and mechanics.
Historic Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is legal in Historic format. This format includes cards from all sets available on Magic: The Gathering Arena.
Explorer Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is not legal in Explorer format. This format is a subset of Pioneer that allows for additional cards and mechanics.
Timeless Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is legal in Timeless format. This format includes cards from all sets available on Magic: The Gathering Online.
Pioneer Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is not legal in Pioneer format. This format includes cards from the Return to Ravnica set and forward.
Modern Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is legal in Modern format. This format includes cards from the 8th Edition set and forward.
Vintage Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is legal in Vintage format. This format includes cards from all sets in Magic: The Gathering history.
Commander Legal
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is legal in Commander format. This format is a multiplayer format that allows for a larger deck size and specific deckbuilding rules.
Collecting Elesh Norn
If you are a Magic: The Gathering collector, you must have heard of Elesh Norn, one of the most popular legendary creatures in the game. Elesh Norn is a Phyrexian Praetor, a powerful creature that has been printed in several editions and rarities.
In this section, I will discuss some of the aspects of collecting Elesh Norn.
Rarity and Editions
Elesh Norn has been printed in several editions, including New Phyrexia, Iconic Masters, and Double Masters. The card has also been printed in different rarities, including rare, mythic rare, and foil.
The rarity and edition of the card can significantly affect its value and desirability among collectors. For example, the mythic rare Elesh Norn from New Phyrexia is more valuable than the rare version of the same card.
Market and Value
The market for Elesh Norn cards is strong, and the value of the card can vary depending on the edition, rarity, and condition.
As of February 2024, the price for a Near Mint Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite from New Phyrexia ranges from $30 to $50, depending on the edition and rarity. However, the price can fluctuate depending on the market demand and supply.
If you are interested in purchasing Elesh Norn, you can check online retailers such as TCGplayer, Card Kingdom, and Star City Games. You can also try your luck at local game stores or trading with other collectors.
When purchasing Elesh Norn, make sure to check the condition of the card and verify its authenticity.
Related Cards and Expansions
Notable Phyrexians
As a Praetor from the Phyrexian faction, Elesh Norn shares a connection with other Phyrexian cards in the Magic: The Gathering universe. One of the most notable Phyrexian cards is Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice, a legendary creature that can be used as a commander in the Commander format.
Atraxa is a four-color card that is often used in decks that focus on +1/+1 counters, planeswalkers, and infect strategies.
Another notable Phyrexian card is Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur, another Praetor from the New Phyrexia expansion. This legendary creature has a high mana cost, but can be a game-changer in the right deck. Jin-Gitaxias is often used in blue decks that focus on drawing and card advantage.
Relevant Expansions
Elesh Norn was first introduced in the New Phyrexia expansion, which was released in 2011. This expansion focused on the Phyrexian faction and introduced a number of new mechanics and cards.
Some notable cards from this expansion include Phyrexian Obliterator, a powerful black creature that can be difficult to deal with, and Birthing Pod, an artifact that allows players to search their deck for creatures of increasing mana cost.
Elesh Norn has also been reprinted in a number of other expansions, including Iconic Masters and Ultimate Masters. These reprints have made the card more widely available and have helped to keep its price from skyrocketing.
Conclusion
Elesh Norn stands as a testament to the intricate design and deep lore that Magic: The Gathering offers. Her abilities to control the game, coupled with her significant role in the Phyrexian narrative, make her more than just a card; she is a piece of the game’s rich history.
Whether you’re utilizing her in a deck, collecting her editions, or simply admiring her from afar, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite, remains a cornerstone of MTG’s enduring appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current market value of Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite?
As of the current date, Sat Feb 24 2024, the current market value of Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is $961.78 according to EDHREC. However, the price may vary depending on the condition of the card, the edition, and the seller.
How does Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines impact gameplay in EDH format?
Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines is a powerful card in the EDH format. Its ability to give all of your creatures +2/+2 and intimidate can quickly turn the tide of the game in your favor. Additionally, its ability to shut down your opponents’ ETB abilities can be devastating to decks that rely on those abilities.
What are the most effective strategies for using Elesh Norn in a deck?
Elesh Norn is most effective in a deck that focuses on creatures and tokens.
Cards that create tokens such as [[Raise the Alarm]] or [[Secure the Wastes]] can quickly generate an army of creatures that benefit from Elesh Norn’s abilities. Additionally, cards that allow you to sacrifice your own creatures such as [[Martyr’s Cause]] or [[Viscera Seer]] can be used to trigger Elesh Norn’s ability to destroy all other creatures.
Which sets feature the card Elesh Norn, and in what rarity?
Elesh Norn has been featured in the following sets:
- New Phyrexia (Mythic Rare)
- Iconic Masters (Mythic Rare)
- Double Masters (Mythic Rare)
How does Elesh Norn compare to other legendary creatures in terms of power level?
Elesh Norn is considered one of the most powerful legendary creatures in the game due to its ability to buff your own creatures and hinder your opponents’ creatures. Its ability to destroy all other creatures except for artifacts, lands, and Phyrexians is a game-changer in many situations.
What are the lore implications of Elesh Norn’s character in the Magic: The Gathering universe?
Elesh Norn is a Phyrexian Praetor, a group of powerful entities that seek to transform all living beings into Phyrexians, a race of mechanical beings.
Elesh Norn is the Praetor of perfection and believes that the only way to achieve perfection is through the eradication of all imperfections. Her character represents the ruthless and mechanical nature of the Phyrexians, making her a formidable opponent in the Magic: The Gathering universe.
