Spirit en-Kor MTG Card
1998-03-02 - Number 19
2015-05-06 - Number 34
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kor Spirit |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying : Redirect 1 damage from Spirit en-Kor to a creature you control.
Death free throat from thirst, mouth from speech, feet from earth. —Kor requiem
Cards like Spirit en-Kor
Spirit en-Kor stands as an interesting member of the en-Kor family in Magic: The Gathering. Like its cousins Nomads en-Kor and Warrior en-Kor, Spirit en-Kor carries the distinct ability to redirect damage to other creatures you control. However, Spirit en-Kor brings its unique twist by having flying, hence providing aerial defense as well as being a threat from above.
When looking at other common redirecting cards like Cho-Manno, Revolutionary, they offer a more global protective ability without the flying trait, which perhaps makes them more versatile in damage prevention but less offensive. On the other hand, cards like Shaman en-Kor, also from the en-Kor squadron, share similar traits but differ by allowing targeted redirection of damage to the opponent’s creatures, shifting the tactical landscape entirely.
Therefore, Spirit en-Kor’s mix of flying and damage redirection poses a double-edged sword for opponents, blending both offensive and defensive capabilities that create a compelling choice for players considering en-Kor creatures in their MTG strategies, especially in a defensive air-covered role.
Cards similar to Spirit en-Kor by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Spirit en-Kor card offers unique interactions with abilities that trigger when a creature is targeted, which can be a subtle yet effective way to gain card advantage over your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t directly increase mana resources, Spirit en-Kor’s ability to redirect damage at no cost can effectively save mana typically used for creature protection spells or abilities, indirectly accelerating your use of resources elsewhere.
Instant Speed: Spirit en-Kor possesses an ability that can be used at instant speed, giving you flexibility to respond to threats on the fly and keeping your opponents guessing about your potential plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As an element of its activation cost, Spirit en-Kor mandates that players discard cards to utilize its ability. This could potentially deplete a hand that’s already running low on options, placing you at a strategic disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a precise combination of white mana, Spirit en-Kor’s mana cost might not seamlessly fit into decks that aren’t primarily white or multi-colored strategies that value mana flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Spirit en-Kor’s mana valuation can be considered steep in relation to its stats and abilities. There are alternative creatures that could provide a better ratio of cost to power or more impactful abilities at the same or lower mana thresholds.
Reasons to Include Spirit en-Kor in Your Collection
Versatility: Spirit en-Kor is known for its flexible damage redirection ability, making it a useful defensive tool in a variety of decks. Its low mana cost also allows it to be played early, supporting strategies that seek to establish board presence quickly.
Combo Potential: The card integrates smoothly with strategies that benefit from targeting creatures, such as those involving “en-Kor” creatures, allowing unique and powerful synergy options. Additionally, its ability to prevent damage can be part of intricate combos, safeguarding key pieces on the board.
Meta-Relevance: With the presence of damage-based removal in many formats, Spirit en-Kor’s damage prevention ability can provide an enduring advantage. It can be particularly relevant in metas where direct damage spells or abilities are prevalent, protecting your creatures from being easily removed.
How to beat
The Spirit en-Kor card in Magic: The Gathering offers a unique defensive capability that can make it seem daunting to face. This creature’s signature ability to redirect damage to another creature you control is invaluable, allowing for strategic plays that protect valuable assets on the board. However, there are effective strategies to counter this ability and secure a win.
Taking on Spirit en-Kor requires a focus on removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes or global damage spells. Spells like Wrath of God or Damnation circumvent the redirection ability by not targeting individual creatures. Alternatively, effects that impose conditions on the battlefield, like Meekstone or Gravity Sphere, can effectively neutralize the threat by limiting the Spirit en-Kor’s ability to participate in combat or manipulate damage. Effective use of control spells and strategies that address multiple creatures at once can overcome the challenge posed by Spirit en-Kor, turning the tide of the game in your favor.
Remember, while Spirit en-Kor may offer a solid defensive front, its strength lies in a specific interaction. By widening your approach to tackling the entire board instead of single targets, you can disarm this MTG card’s advantage and march towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spirit en-Kor MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Tempest Remastered, 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 Spirit en-Kor 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 Spirit en-Kor Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by John Matson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-03-02 | Stronghold | STH | 19 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Matson | |
| 2 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 34 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Matson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spirit en-Kor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spirit en-Kor card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | It can redirect damage to itself. |
| 2004-10-04 | It is possible to redirect more damage to a creature than that creature’s toughness. |
| 2004-10-04 | The ability of this card does not do anything to stop Trample damage from being assigned to the defending player. |
| 2004-10-04 | You can use this ability as much as you want prior to damage being dealt. |
| 2013-07-01 | When you redirect combat damage it is still combat damage. |