Soldier of the Pantheon MTG Card

Theros (THS)
2013-09-27 - Number 32

Soldier of the Pantheon - Explorer Anthology 2 (EA2)

Explorer Anthology 2 (EA2)
2022-12-13 - Number 8

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Abilities	Protection
Power	2
Toughness	1

Key Takeaways

Soldier of the Pantheon excels in nullifying opponent’s multicolored spells, providing an indirect card advantage.
Its low cost and protection from multicolor spells make it a robust early-game creature in MTG.
Restrictive mana needs and competition in one-drop slots could limit its inclusion in diverse decks.

Text of card

Protection from multicolored Whenever an opponent casts a multicolored spell, you gain 1 life.

"I hear the gods' voices in my dreams each night, and I offer bloody trophies on their altars each day."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Soldier of the Pantheon doesn’t directly provide card draw but offers an advantage by potentially nullifying your opponent’s multicolored spells, preserving your own resources while they exhaust theirs.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana acceleration, this card’s low casting cost can be an early game boon, allowing quicker deployment of your strategy and maintaining mana efficiency.

Instant Speed: Although Soldier of the Pantheon operates at sorcery speed being a creature, its passive ability activates whenever an opponent plays a multicolored spell, granting you constant vigilance against specific threats without additional mana investment.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Soldier of the Pantheon doesn’t directly demand a discard, but in metagames dominated by multicolored spells, it might necessitate deck adjustments that cost you card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: The requirement for white mana to cast Soldier of the Pantheon can be restrictive. This limitation can make it unsuitable for multicolor decks that require a flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Soldier of the Pantheon is low-costed, within the competitive one-mana creature slot, there are alternatives that might provide a broader range of abilities suited to specific strategies.

Reasons to Include Soldier of the Pantheon in Your Collection

Versatility: Soldier of the Pantheon has a solid place in decks looking for a one-drop creature with decent power. Its protection from multicolored makes it a reliable pick against a variety of enemy spells and blockers.

Combo Potential: This card can gain you life whenever an opponent plays a multicolored spell, meshing well with strategies that revolve around life gain and providing incremental advantages over the course of the game.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta game that’s rich with multicolored spells, the Soldier of the Pantheon can be a consistent threat. Its ability to not be blocked or targeted by multicolored spells makes it a resilient creature in the current environment.

How to beat

Soldier of the Pantheon shines in MTG due to its protection from multicolored spells, positioning it as a robust first-line defender. This particular trait requires that strategies to overcome it avoid relying on multicolored spells. Mono-colored removal spells are effective here, as they bypass Soldier of the Pantheon’s ability, allowing a clever player to take it off the board without triggering its protection.

Another key tactic involves using global effects that aren’t targeted removals. Since Soldier of the Pantheon’s ability only applies to spells that target it, board wipes like Wrath of God can clear it alongside other creatures without resistance. It’s also worth considering that while Soldier of the Pantheon is a formidable blocker, it can be outclassed by larger creatures. Enhancing your own creatures’ size could therefore also serve as a straightforward resolution.

In essence, when evaluating your approach against this card, avoid employing multicolored spells that inadvertently grant your opponent life and card advantage. Instead, opt for singular color removals, non-targeted spells, and establishing superior board presence with larger creatures or sweeping effects to ensure gameplay remains in your favor.

Cards like Soldier of the Pantheon

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Soldier of the Pantheon stands as a stellar one-drop creature, closely aligned with other efficient one-mana creatures such as Savannah Lions. However, what sets Soldier of the Pantheon apart is its proactive ability to generate advantage against multicolored spells. Unlike Savannah Lions, the Soldier not only presents a strong offensive option but also gains life whenever an opponent casts a multicolored spell, fortifying its strategic defensive application.

Comparable cards include Elite Vanguard, which mirrors the soldier’s power and toughness but lacks any additional abilities, underscoring the Soldier’s heightened utility. Champion of the Parish also plays a similar role as a one-drop creature, yet it shines in human-centric decks where it grows bigger with each human played, unlike the Soldier that has a broader impact in any matchup involving multicolored spells.

The nuanced abilities of Soldier of the Pantheon position it adeptly within Magic: The Gathering’s one-drop creatures roster. With the strategic defense against multicolored spells and life-gain benefits, it’s an exceptional choice for players seeking to advance their board state right from the first turn.

Champion of the Parish - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Soldier of the Pantheon MTG card by a specific set like Theros and Explorer Anthology 2, 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 Soldier of the Pantheon and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Soldier of the Pantheon Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2022-12-13. Illustrated by Eric Deschamps.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2013-09-27	Theros	THS		32	2003	Normal	Black	Eric Deschamps
2	2022-12-13	Explorer Anthology 2	EA2		8	2015	Normal	Black	Eric Deschamps

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Soldier of the Pantheon has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Soldier of the Pantheon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2013-09-15	Most hybrid spells and permanents, including the ones in the Return to Ravnica block, are multicolored, even if you cast them with one color of mana.
2013-09-15	Soldier of the Pantheon can't be enchanted or equipped by multicolored Auras and Equipment, it can't be blocked by multicolored creatures, it can't be targeted by multicolored spells or abilities from multicolored sources, and all damage dealt to it by multicolored sources is prevented.