Fyndhorn Elder MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 243
1997-03-24 - Number 297
1999-04-21 - Number 232
2001-04-11 - Number 246
2001-04-11 - Number 246★
2003-07-28 - Number 251
2003-07-28 - Number 251★
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elf Druid |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
oc T: Add o Go G to your mana pool. Play this ability as an interrupt.
"Do we know what we're doing? Yes—the will of Freyalise." —Laina of the Elvish Council
Cards like Fyndhorn Elder
Fyndhorn Elder serves as a vital mana accelerator in Magic the Gathering, quite similar to its cousin from the forests, the renowned Birds of Paradise. While Birds of Paradise taps for any color mana, Fyndhorn Elder offers an abundance of green mana, specifically tapping for double green. This is a significant trait for decks heavily reliant on green spells or needing multiple green sources at once.
Similarly, Somberwald Sage is another creature that offers a potent mana boost, but here’s the twist – it provides three mana of any one color when tapped, which can be used only to cast creature spells. Its utility is specific but extremely powerful in creature-centric decks. Yet, it lacks Fyndhorn Elder’s simplicity and its ability to generate mana for any kind of spell. Another parallel can be drawn with Arbor Elf, which untaps forests rather than providing mana outright. Arbor Elf works wonders with enchanted or dual lands capable of producing more than one mana, however, Fyndhorn Elder doesn’t require such setup, standing strong on its own.
Fyndhorn Elder may not have the versatility of Birds of Paradise or the raw power of Somberwald Sage, but it offers a balanced option for decks that want reliable green mana acceleration to fuel their game plan efficiently.
Cards similar to Fyndhorn Elder by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Fyndhorn Elder provides a strategic edge by essentially tapping for two mana, allowing you to deploy more cards onto the battlefield or utilize larger spells earlier in the game.
Resource Acceleration: As a mana dork with the capability to produce additional green mana, the Elder is a cornerstone for ramp strategies, facilitating quicker plays and potentially leading to a dominating board presence.
Instant Speed: Though the Elder itself does not operate at instant speed, the extra mana provided can be invaluable for instant-speed interactions on your opponent’s turn, giving you the flexibility to respond to threats or opportunities as they arise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Fyndhorn Elder doesn’t impose a discard requirement itself, but it often lands in deck builds where card advantage is pivotal. Being a creature that doesn’t inherently replace itself in your hand, it can set you back in games where maintaining a healthy grip of cards is essential.
Specific Mana Cost: This two green mana requirement for Fyndhorn Elder may not seem overly restrictive at first glance; however, it does pigeonhole the card into green-centric or two-color decks where green is a major component, thereby limiting its versatility across the wider array of deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Fyndhorn Elder provides mana acceleration, its cost of three mana total can be seen as steep compared to other ramp options. One-drop dorks, or more impactful three-cost cards that might offer additional abilities beyond just mana generation, tend to overshadow the Elder in the eyes of many players seeking maximum efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Fyndhorn Elder can be a cornerstone in decks that prioritize mana acceleration. Whether you’re playing a ramp-focused green deck or a multicolored deck that could use a mana boost, this card is flexible enough to fit in and drive your strategies forward.
Combo Potential: With the ability to untap two forests, Fyndhorn Elder synergizes well with cards benefitting from land untapping effects. Its ability to generate additional mana can be the backbone for powerful combos and can also enable playing high-cost cards earlier in the game.
Meta-Relevance: As the game continues to evolve, having reliable mana sources remains ever-critical. Fyndhorn Elder has stood the test of time in various metagames. Its inclusion can help maintain a competitive edge by ensuring you have the resources to deploy threats and responses efficiently.
How to Beat
Fyndhorn Elder, a nurturing force in the forests of Magic the Gathering, wields the power to accelerate one’s mana pool significantly. This card serves as a functional equivalent to the iconic Birds of Paradise, albeit with some differences. It boasts the ability to tap for two green mana, a trait shared by the likes of Bloom Tender. While this certainly gives an edge in terms of ramping up quickly, it comes at the expense of a higher casting cost and being susceptible to summoning sickness due to its creature nature.
Strategies to counteract Fyndhorn Elder involve targeting its creature vulnerabilities. Removal spells, such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push, can effectively deal with the Elder, ensuring the acceleration it provides is short-lived. Board wipe spells also catch the Elder in their sweep, resetting the state of play. Moreover, engaging in mana denial tactics, like destroying lands or employing cards like Damping Sphere, can inhibit the usability of the additional mana, putting a stumbling block in the path of your opponent’s strategic plays.
Overall, while Fyndhorn Elder can be a thorn in one’s side due to its robust mana generation, knowledgeable players will recognize that exploiting its inherent creature weaknesses is key to maintaining control of the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fyndhorn Elder MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth 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 Fyndhorn Elder 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
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Printings
The Fyndhorn Elder Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2003-07-28. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 243 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 297 | 1997 | Normal | White | Donato Giancola | |
| 3 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 232 | 1997 | Normal | White | Donato Giancola | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 246 | 1997 | Normal | White | Greg Staples | |
| 5 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 246★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 6 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 251 | 2003 | Normal | White | Donato Giancola | |
| 7 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 251★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fyndhorn Elder has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |