Kodama of the North Tree MTG Card


Kodama of the North Tree - Champions of Kamigawa
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Spirit
Abilities Shroud,Trample
Released2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set nameChampions of Kamigawa
Set codeCHK
Power 6
Toughness 4
Number222
Frame2003
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byShishizaru

Key Takeaways

  1. Kodama’s resilience can shift game dynamics, forcing opponents to waste removal efforts.
  2. Specific mana costs limit Kodama’s inclusion in multi-colored decks, impacting versatility.
  3. Inherent shroud and combat abilities make Kodama a solid pick for green-focused strategies.

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"


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.


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.

Silvos, Rogue Elemental - MTG Card versions
Thrun, the Last Troll - MTG Card versions
Silvos, Rogue Elemental - Onslaught (ONS)
Thrun, the Last Troll - Mirrodin Besieged (MBS)

Cards similar to Kodama of the North Tree by color, type and mana cost

Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
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Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
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Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Redwood Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Spined Wurm - MTG Card versions
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Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
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Copperhoof Vorrac - MTG Card versions
Tel-Jilad Lifebreather - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Bramble Elemental - MTG Card versions
Indrik Stomphowler - MTG Card versions
Thicket Basilisk - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Cockatrice - Unlimited Edition (2ED)
Ironroot Treefolk - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Elvish Bard - Alliances (ALL)
Durkwood Boars - Rivals Quick Start Set (RQS)
Elven Riders - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
Redwood Treefolk - Weatherlight (WTH)
Spined Wurm - Stronghold (STH)
Rabid Wolverines - Exodus (EXO)
Deadly Insect - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Vintara Elephant - Prophecy (PCY)
Spring-Leaf Avenger - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Okina Nightwatch - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Primeval Force - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Spitting Spider - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Copperhoof Vorrac - Mirrodin (MRD)
Tel-Jilad Lifebreather - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Llanowar Behemoth - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Bramble Elemental - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Indrik Stomphowler - Commander 2015 (C15)

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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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kodama of the North Tree has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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