Ekundu Griffin MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 13
1999-04-21 - Number 18
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Griffin |
| Abilities | First strike,Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying, first strike
"My goat was a small price to pay for the chance to see the hunting griffin dive and seize it." —Pashad ibn Asim, Suq'Ata trader
Cards like Ekundu Griffin
Ekundu Griffin holds a unique position within the pantheon of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its direct comparison is often made with cards like Abbey Griffin, another four-mana cost flyer. However, Ekundu Griffin trades in vigilance for the first strike, offering an aggressive edge in combat scenarios. Abbey Griffin may hold the fort down as a vigilant guard, but Ekundu Griffin dares the opponent to enter the battlefield with its proactive first strike ability.
Considering its kin in the skies, Sunspire Griffin also flits into the fray. Both creatures demand a mana investment of two generic and two white, but Sunspire Griffin steadies the ground with its balanced stats and steadfast vigilance. Unlike the assertive Ekundu Griffin, Sunspire leans towards a defensive stance, supporting players in maintaining board control. Then there is Aven Sentry, a comparable mana-cost flyer, but it takes to the clouds as a more slender contender, eschewing both first strike and vigilance for simplicity’s sake.
Delving into the essence of these flying creatures illuminates Ekundu Griffin’s strategic role. It strikes a fine balance between cost and combat strength, handling threats immediately with its first strike capability, making it a card worthy of consideration for players valuing assertive aerial dominance.
Cards similar to Ekundu Griffin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Ekundu Griffin provides a unique benefit in terms of board presence, not just raw card count. By having a flying creature, you gain an aerial advantage that often translates into better attack and defense options, keeping your opponent on the defensive and working in your favor as the game progresses.
Resource Acceleration: While the Ekundu Griffin itself may not directly accelerate resources, its ability to maintain pressure on the opponent can indirectly lead to resource advantage by forcing them to deal with the threat it poses, potentially using more resources than they would prefer to manage it.
Instant Speed: Although the Ekundu Griffin is cast at sorcery speed, having a creature with flying can pressure opponents to keep mana open to handle it, effectively giving you the psychological edge. This can lead to a tempo advantage as your opponents might pass up developing their own board to hold up potential removal or other instant speed answers.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Ekundu Griffin card necessitates discarding another card to engage its ability. This can be a drawback when your hand is nearly empty, or you’re holding onto key components for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This Griffin has a mana requirement that includes white mana, which might not be compatible with all types of decks, especially those running multiple colors where mana base consistency can be an issue.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a total of four mana, including three of any kind plus one white mana, this can be considered steep for what the card offers in terms of stats and abilities, particularly when there are more mana-efficient creatures with similar or better impact on the game available to players.
Reasons to Include Ekundu Griffin in Your Collection
Versatility: The Ekundu Griffin boasts a unique blend of flying and first strike, making it a flexible choice for decks aiming to maintain aerial dominance while deterring attackers.
Combo Potential: Savvy deck builders will find that its first strike ability pairs well with equipment or auras that boost its offensive capabilities, enabling lethal combos in the skies.
Meta-Relevance: Flying creatures are consistently pertinent in a variety of MTG metas, and the Ekundu Griffin can slot into strategies focused on evasion. In environments where the skies are less contested, it could provide a significant edge.
How to beat
Ekundu Griffin is a card that presents both an aerial threat and strategic depth in Magic: The Gathering. Boasting flying, this card can consistently put pressure on opponents with weaker airborne defenses. Faced with the challenge of overcoming this griffin, players must consider options that outmaneuver its flying advantage. Removal spells that don’t specify non-flying creatures, such as Murder or Doom Blade, can directly target and eliminate Ekundu Griffin without the need to engage in combat. Ensnaring Bridge is another effective defense, limiting the griffin’s ability to attack based on the number of cards in your hand.
When building a deck, contemplate including efficient reach creatures, such as Arborback Stomper, or diving into spells that can summon tokens with flying to block its assaults. Board wipes like Wrath of God also level the playing field by removing all creatures, Ekundu Griffin included, ensuring you retain control. Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of including versatile counterspells; not only can they nullify the griffin as it’s cast, but they maintain strategic flexibility against a wide array of threats.
By thoughtfully curating your deck with the right mix of spells and creatures, you can form a dynamic strategy capable of countering Ekundu Griffin and maintaining dominance in your MTG matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ekundu Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Classic Sixth Edition, 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 Ekundu Griffin and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Ekundu Griffin Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 1999-04-21. Illustrated by David A. Cherry.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 13 | 1997 | Normal | Black | David A. Cherry | |
| 2 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 18 | 1997 | Normal | White | David A. Cherry |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ekundu Griffin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |