MTG Ikoria spoils a new cycle of spells based on legendary creatures

Magic: The Gathering has already spoiled a cycle of extremely powerful legendary monsters for Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths. Now, each of those creatures is getting its own spells to take down its opponents. These legendary creatures are so powerful that they have their own mythos on Ikoria, and these spells represent those legends. Since it is so early into the spoiler season, only three of these spells have been revealed so far.

Ikoria‘s Mythos Cycle

Each spell ties into one of the monstrous creatures that roam Ikoira. Illustrated by fan-favorite artist Seb McKinnon, these spells depict the destruction of Ikoria.

Mythos of Vardok

First up, Mythos of Vadrok. This four-mana red sorcery deals five damage divided as you choose. That might not sound great, particularly when everything in this set is gigantic. But when you pay for the optional mode, this card can create some amazing setups. Paying the optional WU makes it so any creatures and planeswalkers targeted by the spell cannot attack, block, or activate abilities until your next turn.

This spell could open up a lot of board states that might have been unfavorable to attack into otherwise. Mythos of Vadrok might not be a 4-of in Mardu lists, but it will certainly have a place in Ikoria‘s Standard format.

Mythos of Nethroi

Mythos of Nethroi may seem a bit confusing at first glance. It’s a three-mana instant removal spell that can destroy noncreature permanents if you pay the optional GW. Because of the wording, it can be a little tricky, but it was done for a good reason. What happens is this: in order to cast this spell, players must first announce the spell they are casting and choose targets. Only after that do players pay mana. The weird wording is technically more concise while following Magic‘s rules, but it can seem strange at first.

An easier way to look at this spell might be to think of it like this:

• 2B: Destroy target creature
• GWB: Destroy target nonpermanent

While not technically correct, it can help keep the two modes of this spell in mind.

Mythos of Snapdax

The last of Ikoria‘s Mythos cycle to be spoiled is Mythos of Snapdeck. A four-mana board wipe is pretty standard for white. Giving your opponent the choice to keep something around afterward isn’t great, however. By paying the optional BR, you get to make those choices for your opponent. So, it’s a Tragic Arrogance for one mana cheaper, which is pretty good.

This spell will be particularly effective both in and against decks that go all-in on the new mutate ability. You can pick your mutated creature and an opponent’s weakest creature and kill the rest. When played with Snapdax, Apex of the Hunt, you could potentially mutate it and kill off their last creature while you’re at it.

All of these spells will see Standard play in some capacity. Each one fills a specific role, but the versatility of them means they can fit into multiple decks. Of the three cards spoiled so far, Mythos of Nethroi has the most potential. Let us know in the comments below which of these spells you’re looking forward to most from Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths. Make sure to follow Daily Esports as more Magic: The Gathering spoilers release.