Spirit of the Hearth MTG Card
2008-07-25 - Number 14
2016-08-26 - Number 98
2017-08-25 - Number 73
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Cat Spirit |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Flying You can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.
Thieves know that a snarl in the night means, "Rob another house."
Cards like Spirit of the Hearth
The card Spirit of the Hearth commands attention within the realm of creature cards in MTG that offer both offensive capabilities and defensive utility. Its closest relatives in terms of functionality include cards like Aegis of the Gods, which also bestows an invaluable layer of protection with its ability to grant you hexproof. Spirit of the Hearth takes it a step further by extending this protection over your life total as well, preventing opponents from targeting you directly.
Comparable cards in this space would also include Guardian of the Gateless, capable of blocking any number of creatures and gaining power and toughness per creature blocked. While Guardian of the Gateless shines in ground defense, Spirit of the Hearth’s ability to fly gives it an edge in aerial combat. Additionally, cards such as Leyline of Sanctity provide the hexproof ability, yet it doesn’t contribute to board presence in the way a creature card like Spirit of the Hearth can.
Therefore, within the diverse library of MTG, Spirit of the Hearth certainly holds its own as a guardian force that adeptly combines the strengths of being a formidable flying creature with offering a personal safeguard against targeted spells and abilities.
Cards similar to Spirit of the Hearth by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Renowned for its capacity to protect hand cards, Spirit of the Hearth grants a form of virtual card advantage by negating opponents’ attempts to disrupt your game plan.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating resources, the presence of Spirit of the Hearth can often discourage opponents from playing removal spells or targeted discard, allowing you to stabilize your board and land drops more effectively.
Instant Speed: Although Spirit of the Hearth itself does not operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with decks that include flash mechanics, giving you the freedom to respond to threats and maintain a formidable defense even outside of your own turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Players must be cautious when playing Spirit of the Hearth as it doesn’t include a discard feature that can provide strategic card cycling or graveyard synergy, which is a missed opportunity for more nuanced deck interactions.
Specific Mana Cost: Commanding a specific mana investment of two white and four generic mana makes the card less flexible, potentially straining deck resources and limiting Spirit of the Hearth’s inclusion only in decks with a committed mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost totaling six mana, Spirit of the Hearth might be a step behind curve especially when other creatures at similar or lower costs can provide comparable or even stronger board presence and effects.
Reasons to Include Spirit of the Hearth in Your Collection
Versatility: Spirit of the Hearth caters to a variety of deck archetypes, particularly those that prioritize life total protection and creature-based strategies. It serves as a guardian for your life points and a formidable flying creature.
Combo Potential: Its ability to grant you hexproof pairs well with cards that capitalize on safeguarding your board state. It acts as a lynchpin in combos that require maintaining a stable and untouchable life total.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where targeted spells and abilities are prevalent, Spirit of the Hearth’s unique defensive capabilities could bolster your position, making it a worthwhile consideration for your sideboard or even main deck based on the current trends.
How to beat
Spirit of the Hearth is a commanding presence on the battlefield, offering a unique form of protection in Magic: The Gathering. This card ensures that its controller has privacy, as the opponent cannot target or cause damage directly to them once this creature is on the field. It’s a creature with a solid body and an ability that creates a safe haven, particularly against strategies that rely on targeting the player directly with spells and abilities.
To overcome the challenge posed by Spirit of the Hearth, one effective strategy is to employ board wipes. Sweeping the board of all creatures, including this protective spirit, can momentarily remove the safety net it provides. Another tactic is to use indirect ways of dealing damage, such as leveraging abilities that affect each opponent or each creature. In addition, utilizing hexproof-breaking spells, which strip creatures of their protective status, or forcing the opponent to sacrifice creatures can mitigate the protection afforded by Spirit of the Hearth.
While Spirit of the Hearth may appear to be a daunting card to play against, understanding its strengths and weaknesses allows for strategic planning and execution, which is essential in navigating around its guardian-like ability in Magic: The Gathering. Thus, with the right approach, players can find ways to beat this vigilant protector.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spirit of the Hearth MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Conspiracy: Take the Crown, 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 of the Hearth 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 Spirit of the Hearth Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2017-08-25. Illustrated by Jason Chan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-07-25 | Eventide | EVE | 14 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jason Chan | |
| 2 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 98 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Chan | |
| 3 | 2017-08-25 | Commander 2017 | C17 | 73 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Chan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spirit of the Hearth has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |