Does Eldrazi Have Color?
The short answer is: No, Eldrazi do not have a color. In the context of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), they are explicitly colorless. This isn’t just a matter of their visual appearance; it’s a fundamental aspect of their design and lore, setting them apart from almost all other entities in the game. But the question of color, or rather its absence, for the Eldrazi is more complex and intriguing than a simple “yes” or “no.” Let’s delve deeper into why they are colorless, what that means in the game, and how it ties into their lore as cosmic horrors.
The Colorless Nature of the Eldrazi
Beyond the Color Pie
The core idea behind Eldrazi being colorless isn’t merely about visual aesthetics. It’s about their fundamental nature. The five colors of mana in MTG—white, blue, black, red, and green—each represent a different philosophy, a different approach to magic, and a different way of interacting with the world. These colors, in essence, define the boundaries of the game’s world and its inhabitants. The Eldrazi, however, are portrayed as beings so utterly alien and incomprehensible that they defy these fundamental principles. They exist outside the color pie’s constraints. They are not driven by the same motivations, desires, or even thought processes that define the colored denizens of the Multiverse. In short, the colorlessness signifies a kind of existential otherness.
Colorless vs. Artifact
It’s crucial to differentiate between colorless and artifacts in MTG. Many artifacts are colorless, but not all colorless cards are artifacts. Eldrazi were intentionally made colorless to emphasize their alien nature, setting them apart from other creatures, including artifacts. This design choice was made alongside introducing a unique type of mana needed to cast them, representing a further aspect of their alien influence. Their lack of color isn’t a reflection of being objects, but of their cosmic scale and incomprehensible existence.
Implications in Gameplay
The colorless nature of the Eldrazi has significant ramifications in the gameplay of Magic: The Gathering. For example, cards that interact with specific colors or that offer protection from certain colors are ineffective against them. They are immune to the benefits and limitations associated with colored spells and abilities. This inherent resistance makes them particularly formidable opponents.
The “Generic Mana” Distinction
Another crucial thing to understand is the difference between colorless mana and generic mana. Colorless mana is its own type, a “sixth color,” while generic mana is just a number. When a card has a cost that uses a numerical amount inside a grey circle, this means it requires “generic mana.” Cards that specifically ask for “any color” cannot fulfill their cost with colorless mana, but cards asking for “any type” can, as colorless is a type of mana. This makes Eldrazi costs harder to meet, while also preventing the use of common spells used to cheat costs.
Eldrazi: More Than Just Creatures
The Cosmic Cleanup Crew
The Eldrazi aren’t just powerful creatures, they are a force of nature, or perhaps, a force of the Multiverse itself. They are described as a sort of “cleanup crew,” tasked with recycling dead or dying planes. They consume mana, shape the land, and even alter life to facilitate their plans. Their actions, while destructive, are not inherently evil, but rather an incomprehensible process that seems malignant from the perspective of those affected by it.
The Titans: Ulamog, Kozilek, and Emrakul
The three Eldrazi Titans—Ulamog, Kozilek, and Emrakul—are the most well-known. Each Titan has a distinct role in the lifecycle of their devastating work. Ulamog, often seen as the weakest of the three, consumes all mana and life. Kozilek shapes the land to be a blank canvas. And Emrakul reshapes life onto that canvas. Emrakul, the most powerful and enigmatic, is especially interesting, with some suggesting her presence warps reality itself. These powerful entities embody the colorless nature of the Eldrazi, making them a challenging force to be reckoned with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can colorless mana be used as any color?
No, colorless mana cannot be used as any color. Colorless mana is its own type of mana and cannot replace colored mana symbols in costs unless the card specifically states that any type of mana may be used. However, colorless mana can be used in place of generic mana, which is represented by a number in a gray circle.
2. Why are Eldrazi colorless instead of artifacts?
While some artifacts are also colorless, Eldrazi are not considered artifacts. Their colorlessness emphasizes their alien nature. The design team wanted to convey that they are more than just objects; they are cosmic entities that do not fit within the existing color structure of Magic: The Gathering.
3. What is the strongest color in Magic and is it good against Eldrazi?
Historically, blue is often considered the strongest color in Magic, known for its ability to draw and manipulate cards. However, a single color isn’t necessarily the answer to defeating the Eldrazi, as their colorless nature makes them immune to specific color-based interactions. Strategies that do not rely on color are often the most effective.
4. Is Dark Depths colorless?
Yes, Dark Depths is a colorless land and can be included in any deck regardless of color identity.
5. Are Eldrazi evil?
The Eldrazi are not necessarily evil in the traditional sense. They are more like a force of nature, their actions shaped by an incomprehensible purpose. Their methods of recycling planes are certainly destructive, but they aren’t driven by malevolent intent.
6. Which Eldrazi is the strongest?
Emrakul, the Aeons Torn is widely considered the most powerful Eldrazi and is even banned in the Commander format due to her overwhelming abilities.
7. Are there other Eldrazi besides the three Titans?
Yes, there are many smaller Eldrazi that serve as drones and smaller forces for the Titans. The three Titans—Ulamog, Kozilek, and Emrakul—are just the most powerful and prominent. No one is sure if more Titans may exist elsewhere in the multiverse.
8. Is colorless mono-colored?
No, colorless is not a mono-color. Mono-colored means that a card or object has exactly one color (white, blue, black, red, or green). Colorless cards have no color and therefore are not considered mono-colored.
9. Do you lose colorless mana if you don’t use it each turn?
Normally, unspent mana is lost at the end of steps and phases, however certain effects allow for this. Horizon Stone, for example, allows a player to retain any unspent mana, even colorless mana.
10. Is colorless mana a color identity?
No, colorless is not considered a color. Therefore, the colorless mana symbol does not contribute to a card’s color identity.
11. Why do Eldrazi exist?
In MTG lore, the Eldrazi are an ancient cosmic force. They find planes that have died or are dying and recycle them into new ones. The Titans destroy and reshape planes, effectively serving as a cleanup crew for the Multiverse.
12. Are Phyrexians or Eldrazi stronger?
This is a complex question debated by players. The Eldrazi possess the ability to destroy entire planes, whereas the Phyrexians focus on corrupting them. If Phyresis can infect an Eldrazi, the Phyrexian might take the win, but the raw power of the Eldrazi Titans is immense. It largely depends on the specific situation.
13. Are Eldrazi intelligent?
Yes, the Eldrazi are considered intelligent, but their way of thinking is so completely alien that it’s difficult for mortal minds to comprehend. They seem to operate on a scale beyond human understanding.
14. Who originally stopped the Eldrazi?
The Eldrazi were originally stopped and imprisoned by three ancient Planeswalkers: Ugin, the Spirit Dragon; Nahiri, the Lithomancer; and Sorin Markov. They devised a plan to imprison the Titans on Zendikar.
15. Is Ulamog the weakest Eldrazi Titan?
Yes, Ulamog is generally considered to be the weakest of the Eldrazi Titans. His appearance is also the closest to a humanoid form.