Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings MTG Card


It acts as a force multiplier, with abilities enhancing your creatures and crippling opponents’ boards instantly. Demands a focused mana base and presents a challenge integrating into multi-colored decks. Despite a high mana cost, Elesh Norn’s game-altering presence justifies its inclusion in late-game strategies.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Phyrexian Praetor
Abilities Transform, Vigilance
Power 3
Toughness 5

Text of card

Vigilance Whenever a source an opponent controls deals damage to you or a permanent you control, that source's controller loses 2 life unless they pay . , Sacrifice three other creatures: Exile Elesh Norn, then return it to the battlefield transformed under its owner's control. Activate only as a sorcery.


Cards like Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings

Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite stands tall among the legendary creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It draws parallels with other game-changers like Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur. Both are part of the formidable Phyrexian Praetors and bring a level of control to the board. Elesh Norn’s ability to give your creatures +2/+2 while diminishing opponent’s creatures by -2/-2 is a clear nod to her dominance on the battlefield. In contrast, Jin-Gitaxias’ draw ability and opponent’s maximum hand size reduction reflect a different kind of control.

Sheoldred, Whispering One is another Praetor with comparison-worthy attributes. The reanimation effect of Sheoldred, combined with the forced sacrifice mechanic, represents a persistent threat, while Elesh Norn’s static buff to your creatures can quickly close games. Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger, disrupts mana production and accelerates your own—a different strategy, but equally game-altering.

Each Praetor brings a unique advantage, yet Elesh Norn’s blanket power boost and debuff can shift the tide of a multiplayer board swiftly. It’s these strategic elements that spotlight Elesh Norn’s value in a deck centered on creature superiority and aggressive pressure.

Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur - MTG Card versions
Sheoldred, Whispering One - MTG Card versions
Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger - MTG Card versions
Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur - MTG Card versions
Sheoldred, Whispering One - MTG Card versions
Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elesh Norn can be a game-changing asset by potentially granting a two-for-one advantage or more. Once on the battlefield, it can decimate an opponent’s lineup, often requiring multiple cards from them to handle the threat.

Resource Acceleration: While Elesh Norn itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to buff your creatures can ramp up the pressure on your opponents, effectively accelerating the game’s pace in your favor by making your existing board more potent.

Instant Speed: Elesh Norn’s influence begins the moment it hits the field and its static abilities work at all times, offering a persistent advantage over your opponent’s creatures. This continuous board presence can be tantamount to instant speed interaction since it immediately impacts the game state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To utilize Elesh Norn’s full potential, you might be prompted to discard cards for synergistic effects. This demand can backfire by depleting your hand, especially if Elesh Norn is removed from play soon after.

Specific Mana Cost: Elesh Norn requires a heavy commitment to white mana. With a mana cost that includes three white mana symbols, it may not fit seamlessly into multicolored decks that require a diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a converted mana cost of seven, Elesh Norn comes into play later than many other creatures. This high cost can slow down your game plan, as you may not be able to deploy other threats or answers while saving up the mana to cast her.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Elesh Norn is a powerful game changer that can slide into various deck types. Its ability to strengthen your creatures while weakening your opponents’ makes it a flexible tool in both aggressive and control strategies.

Combo Potential: With its static abilities, Elesh Norn serves as an excellent combo piece. It’s often paired with cards that generate tokens for an overwhelming board presence or those that revive creatures from the graveyard for repeated value.

Meta-Relevance: Elesh Norn has maintained its significance in the meta due to its enduring impact on the board state. Regardless of shifting trends, it can disrupt opponents and pave the way to victory, making it a staple in decks aiming to dominate the late game.


How to beat

Elesh Norn is a formidable card that stands tall in the realm of powerful MTG creatures. As one of the legendary Praetors, Elesh Norn can sharply tilt the battlefield in favor of the one who wields it, courtesy of its sweeping buffs to your creatures and debilitating debuffs to your opponents’. Tackling this monolithic force can be daunting, but there are strategies to counter its dominance.

Spot removal spells such as Path to Exile or Hero’s Downfall can efficiently deal with Elesh Norn before its static abilities can cripple your army. Counter magic, like Negate or Counterspell, can stop Elesh Norn from hitting the board in the first place. In case Elesh Norn manages to land on the table, having a board-wipe ready, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can reset the game state. Lastly, employing exile-based creature removal like Swords to Plowshares or exile effects from cards like Oblivion Ring can keep Elesh Norn from making a comeback via graveyard recursion tactics.

Overcoming the challenge Elesh Norn presents calls for a blend of preemptive and reactive plays. The balance of a well-timed counter, the satisfaction of an opportune exile, or the clean slate from a board-wipe— mastering these tools can safeguard your win condition against the might of Elesh Norn.


BurnMana Recommendations

Whether mastering your existing decks or scouting for formidable additions, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite proves to be a force capable of defining the battlefield. Its synergistic potential and the ability to alter the board dynamics underscore its importance for any MTG player aiming to dominate games. Stepping into the world of MTG is not just about collecting cards; it’s about curating experiences and strategies that propel you to victory. Delve deeper into the intricacies of your decks and explore the vast array of strategies Elesh Norn can offer. Continue to sharpen your game plan—let’s build victories together!


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine Art Series, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3382015TransformBorderlessRyan Pancoast
22023-04-21March of the Machine Art SeriesAMOM 42015Art seriesBorderless
32023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 2922015TransformBorderlessKekai Kotaki
42023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 122015TransformBlackMagali Villeneuve
52023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 12s2015TransformBlackMagali Villeneuve

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-04-14 Elesh Norn’s triggered ability will trigger separately for each permanent dealt damage by a source an opponent controls, plus once if you’re dealt damage by that source. For example, if an opponent casts a spell that deals damage to you and two creatures you control, Elesh Norn’s ability will trigger three times. Each of those abilities will cause that opponent to lose 2 life unless they pay .
2023-04-14 Similarly, the triggered ability will trigger separately for each source an opponent controls that deals damage to you or a permanent you control. For example, if three creatures controlled by an opponent block and deal damage to an attacking creature you control, Elesh Norn’s ability will trigger three times.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.