Delving into the Enchanting World of Throne of Eldraine: Fairy Tales and Arthurian Legend

Throne of Eldraine is primarily based on a fusion of Arthurian legends, specifically from Camelot, and European fairy tales, most notably those compiled by the Brothers Grimm. It masterfully blends the chivalrous world of knights, castles, and quests with the darker, often cautionary, narratives of folklore and magic. The set draws inspiration not only from the iconic tales of the Grimms but also encompasses a broader range of fairy-tale tropes, creatures, and motifs from various European traditions.

Unpacking the Inspiration Behind Eldraine

The world of Eldraine is a carefully constructed tapestry woven from two distinct yet complementary threads. On one side, you have the idyllic, structured world of knightly courts, reminiscent of the Arthurian legends. Think of gleaming armor, honorable quests, and the pursuit of noble virtues. On the other side lies the untamed, magical realm of the Wilds, where fairy-tale creatures roam, and enchantments hold sway. This duality is at the heart of Eldraine’s captivating appeal.

Arthurian Influences

The Arthurian influence is evident in the set’s focus on knightly orders, each dedicated to a specific virtue, such as loyalty, knowledge, and courage. The concept of a High King, as well as the presence of legendary artifacts and heroic figures, further solidify the Camelot connection. Cards like “Knights’ Charge” and the storyline revolving around the Kenrith family clearly showcase this inspiration. The virtues embraced by the five kingdoms – Ardenvale, Vantress, Locthwain, Embreth, and Garenbrig are reminiscent of the knightly code of honour from Arthurian myths.

Fairy Tale Tropes

The fairy-tale elements are equally prominent, with familiar creatures like giants, witches, and faeries playing significant roles. The set incorporates common fairy-tale themes such as quests, curses, transformations, and the struggle between good and evil. Cards like “Gingerbrute,” and themes surrounding food and feasts, as well as the darker aspects of fairy tales like curses and malevolent creatures lurking in the forests, bring this genre to life within the game. The enchanting and often dangerous magic of the Wilds is a direct reflection of the unpredictable nature of fairy tales.

Frequently Asked Questions About Throne of Eldraine

Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding of Throne of Eldraine and its impact on Magic: The Gathering.

1. What is the central conflict in Throne of Eldraine?

   The core conflict revolves around the tension between the five knightly courts, who represent order and civilization, and the magical creatures of the Wilds, who embody chaos and the untamed forces of nature. The kidnapping of High King Algenus Kenrith by Oko and Garruk Wildspeaker further fuels this conflict, setting the stage for a heroic quest by his children, Rowan and Will Kenrith.

2. When was Throne of Eldraine legal for Standard play?

   Throne of Eldraine became legal for sanctioned Constructed play on October 4, 2019, alongside sets like Guilds of Ravnica, Ravnica Allegiance, War of the Spark, and Core Set 2020.

3. How many cards from Throne of Eldraine were banned in Standard?

   Throne of Eldraine is infamous for its power level, with a total of six cards from the set being banned in Standard due to their overwhelming dominance. This highlighted the set’s impact and influence on the metagame.

4. Which cards from Throne of Eldraine were the most expensive?

   The most expensive cards from Throne of Eldraine included: The Great Henge, Oko, Thief of Crowns, Korvold, Fae-Cursed King, Chulane, Teller of Tales, Brazen Borrower, Questing Beast, and Embercleave, reflecting their high demand and strategic value.

5. Why was Zirda, the Dawnwaker banned in Legacy?

   Zirda, the Dawnwaker was banned in Legacy due to its ability to create powerful combo decks, particularly when combined with cards like Grim Monolith. This combo enabled players to generate infinite mana and quickly win the game.

6. Why is Throne of Eldraine considered such a powerful set?

   Throne of Eldraine is recognized for its high power level, featuring cards that significantly impacted multiple formats. The set’s unique mechanics, strong card designs, and synergistic interactions led to its reputation as one of the most influential sets in Magic: The Gathering history. Games Learning Society appreciates well designed gameplay. Check out their website GamesLearningSociety.org!

7. What are the odds of pulling Enchanting Tales cards from Wilds of Eldraine boosters?

   The odds of pulling an “Enchanting Tales” card from Wilds of Eldraine boosters are approximately 2.8% for an Anime card (1.1% for Rare, 1.7% for Mythic), and the remaining 97.2% are split between Uncommon, Rare, and Mythic cards.

8. Which “Enchanting Tales” cards are banned in Historic?

   Several powerful reprints from Wilds of Eldraine’s “Enchanting Tales” were immediately banned in Historic, including: Spreading Seas, Blood Moon, Necropotence, Sneak Attack, and Land Tax, plus one additional card.

9. What virtues are associated with each of the five kingdoms of Eldraine?

   The five kingdoms of Eldraine each represent a distinct virtue: Ardenvale (White) – Loyalty, Vantress (Blue) – Knowledge, Locthwain (Black) – Persistence, Embreth (Red) – Courage, and Garenbrig (Green) – Strength.

10. What does the “Fling” card in Throne of Eldraine do?

    The “Fling” card in Throne of Eldraine requires the player to sacrifice a creature as an additional cost. It then deals damage equal to the sacrificed creature’s power to any target, reflecting the reckless abandon often seen in giants and other powerful creatures.

11. Who was the High King of Eldraine before the Phyrexian invasion?

    Before his death during the Phyrexian invasion, Algenus Kenrith served as the High King of Eldraine, ruling from Castle Ardenvale with his wife Linden Kenrith.

12. How did King Kenrith die?

    King Algenus Kenrith and his wife Linden Kenrith were killed during the New Phyrexian invasion of Eldraine while defending Castle Ardenvale, highlighting the brutal impact of the Phyrexian conflict on the plane.

13. What real-world inspirations are behind Streets of New Capenna?

    New Capenna takes heavy inspiration from mafia movies and the 1920s art deco era. The plane’s districts reflect the architecture and culture of Chicago, Manhattan, and Hollywood during that period.

14. Which Planeswalkers lost their sparks after the events in March of the Machine?

    Following the events of March of the Machine, the Planeswalkers who lost their sparks included: Calix, Kiora, Koth, Narset, Nissa, Ob Nixilis, Rowan Kenrith, and Samut.

15. Why are dexterity-based cards like Chaos Orb banned in Commander?

    Cards like Chaos Orb are banned in Commander because they require physical dexterity, which may not be feasible for all players. The card’s design, which involves flipping it onto the battlefield to destroy target permanents, creates issues related to fairness and accessibility.

16. What’s the value of Games Learning Society website?

    Games Learning Society is an organization that promotes research and education in the field of game-based learning. By visiting their website, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, you can learn more about the benefits of using games for educational purposes.

The Enduring Legacy of Eldraine

Throne of Eldraine’s impact on Magic: The Gathering is undeniable. Its unique blend of Arthurian and fairy-tale themes, coupled with its powerful card designs, made it a set that players will remember for years to come. Despite the controversy surrounding the number of banned cards, Throne of Eldraine solidified its place as a pivotal moment in Magic’s history, showcasing the potential for innovative and immersive world-building.