Kodama of the North Tree MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Shroud,Trample |
| Released | 2004-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Champions of Kamigawa |
| Set code | CHK |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 222 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Shishizaru |
Text of card
Trample Kodama of the North Tree can't be the target of spells or abilities.
"The monks of the North Tree rarely saw their kodama until the Kami War, when it woke like a slumbering, angry bear." —"Poem of the Five Trees"
Cards like Kodama of the North Tree
Kodama of the North Tree is an esteemed legendary creature within MTG, famous for its robust combination of trample and shroud. This makes it somewhat akin to Silvos, Rogue Elemental, which not only carries trample and regeneration but also a formidable power and toughness. While Kodama boasts an intrinsic shroud that protects it from targeted spells or abilities, Silvos requires mana investment to regenerate, granting it resilience in combat.
Analyzing a creature like Thrun, the Last Troll reveals more subtle differences. Thrun shares the protection mechanic with Kodama due to its hexproof ability and can regenerate as well. Despite its lower power, Thrun compensates with being unable to be countered and its regeneration capacity, which, unlike Kodama’s shroud, allows its controller to protect it actively.
Looking at the overall landscape of similar MTG creatures, Kodama of the North Tree stands tall for players who value an offensive edge with defensive security, even if it denies them the use of their own auras and equipment. Its unique combination of power and protective features solidify its position as a stalwart choice in creature-heavy strategies.
Cards similar to Kodama of the North Tree by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kodama of the North Tree shines in its capacity to maintain presence on the board without being easily removed, indirectly contributing to card advantage. This is because it demands an answer from your opponent, potentially exhausting their resources to deal with it.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana, the spirit’s inherent resilience can accelerate your game plan by sticking around longer, thereby saving resources typically used for deploying additional threats.
Instant Speed: Kodama of the North Tree may not be cast at instant speed itself, but its Shroud ability forces opponents to play their removal spells at suboptimal times—when the Kodama isn’t on the field. This aspect can shape the pace of the game to your advantage, acting as a deterrent and protecting your board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Kodama of the North Tree boasts many advantages, players should be aware it does not include a discard requirement. Its strengths lie elsewhere, and those looking to leverage discard mechanics will not find it beneficial here.
Specific Mana Cost: Commanding a specific mana cost that requires three green sources, Kodama of the North Tree may not seamlessly fit into multi-colored decks. Players attempting to include it in diverse color schemes may face mana base challenges.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Kodama of the North Tree’s relatively high mana cost can be prohibitive in fast-paced games. With a casting cost of three generic and three green mana, there are alternatives in the card pool that could be cast sooner or offer additional versatility for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include Kodama of the North Tree in Your Collection
Versatility: Kodama of the North Tree thrives in a variety of decks thanks to its protected status from spells or abilities, enabling it to be a reliable combatant on many boards.
Combo Potential: This legendary creature can be at the heart of powerful interactions, especially in decks built around spirit or arcane themes, bolstering both offense and synergistic plays.
Meta-Relevance: With the continuously evolving gameplay, a card like Kodama of the North Tree can often find a place due to its inherent resilience against targeted removal, making it a solid choice in environments filled with control decks.
How to beat Kodama of the North Tree
Kodama of the North Tree is an intriguing Magic: The Gathering card, boasting trample and a solid 6/4 presence on the board, but its true strength lies in its protection from spells and abilities your opponents control. This can make it seem like an impenetrable force on the battlefield. However, there are strategies you can employ to turn the tides.
One effective method to overcome Kodama of the North Tree is by using global board wipes such as Damnation or Wrath of God, as these circumvent its protection by not targeting it directly. Alternatively, forcing opponents to sacrifice creatures can be your ally here; cards like Diabolic Edict or Liliana of the Veil can make your opponent remove that formidable presence themselves.
Combat tricks are also a subtle yet powerful way to beat Kodama. Engage in battles where you overpower it with combined creature strength, or alter combat math with instant speed spells that don’t target, like release the dogs or mass buff effects. Remember, while protection can be daunting, there is always a way to outmaneuver and outstrategize your opponent, turning the tide in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kodama of the North Tree MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Kodama of the North Tree 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kodama of the North Tree has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |