Kaldheim (plane): Difference between revisions

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| image = Snow-Covered Island.jpg
| image = Snow-Covered Island.jpg
| first = [[Planechase]]
| first = [[Planechase]]
| last = [[Kaldheim]]
| last = [[March of the Machine]]
| status = In chaos
| rabiah = 4
| rabiah_ref = <ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/the-rabiah-scale-part-3|The Rabiah Scale, Part 3|[[Mark Rosewater]]|2024-05-13}}</ref>
| status = Recovering from New Phyrexia's invasion
| demonym = Kaldheimr<ref name="The Same">{{DailyRef|magic-story/one-and-the-same|''March of the Machine'' - Ravnica: One and the Same|[[Alison Lührs]]|March 24, 2023}}</ref>
}}
}}
'''Kaldheim''' is a [[top-down]] [[Wikipedia:Norse mythology|Norse mythology]]-[[Wikipedia:Norse mythology in popular culture|inspired]] [[plane]]; ''[[Magic: The Gathering|Magic's]]'' take on what a world inspired by [[Wikipedia:Vikings|Vikings]] might look like.<ref>{{DailyRef|news/zendikar-debut-and-announcement-day-recap-2020-09-01|Zendikar Debut and Announcement Day Recap|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/628704605890576385/is-kaldheim-a-top-down-norse-mythology-inspired|title=Is Kaldheim a top-down Norse Mythology inspired plane?|September 8, 2020}}</ref>
'''Kaldheim''' is a [[top-down]] [[Wikipedia:Norse mythology|Norse mythology]]-[[Wikipedia:Norse mythology in popular culture|inspired]] [[plane]]; ''[[Magic: The Gathering|Magic's]]'' take on what a world inspired by [[Wikipedia:Vikings|Vikings]] might look like.<ref>{{DailyRef|news/zendikar-debut-and-announcement-day-recap-2020-09-01|Zendikar Debut and Announcement Day Recap|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/628704605890576385/is-kaldheim-a-top-down-norse-mythology-inspired|title=Is Kaldheim a top-down Norse Mythology inspired plane?|September 8, 2020}}</ref>
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Kaldheim is steeped in storytelling and song, and all of its denizens share a common ethos: it is a plane of [[warrior]]s who boast of their great deeds and yearn to die heroically in battle, who fight hard and celebrate harder, and where great tales pass into myth through the ages.<ref name="Welcome">{{DailyRef|feature/welcome-face-melting-world-kaldheim-2020-12-14|Welcome to the Face-Melting World of Kaldheim|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|December 14, 2020}}</ref>  
Kaldheim is steeped in storytelling and song, and all of its denizens share a common ethos: it is a plane of [[warrior]]s who boast of their great deeds and yearn to die heroically in battle, who fight hard and celebrate harder, and where great tales pass into myth through the ages.<ref name="Welcome">{{DailyRef|feature/welcome-face-melting-world-kaldheim-2020-12-14|Welcome to the Face-Melting World of Kaldheim|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|December 14, 2020}}</ref>  


Pivotal to the plane is the [[Cosmos]], a "realm between" which [[Planeswalker]]s cannot cross<ref name="ep2">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-2-awaken-trolls-2021-01-13|Awaken the Trolls]]|[[Roy Graham]]|January 13, 2021}}</ref>  represented by a massive [[World Tree]], from which ten separate realms hang like fruits. The realms are constantly shifting and, on occasion, may collapse unto each other. When this happens, a [[Doomskar]] occurs.<ref name="Kaldheim Fest">{{YouTubeRef|kPuibfU7Xjc|Kaldheim Fest|channel=Magic: The Gathering|December 7, 2021}}</ref> This causes earthquakes, destabilization, and total chaos.
Pivotal to the plane is the [[Cosmos]], a "realm between" which [[Planeswalker]]s cannot cross<ref name="ep2">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-2-awaken-trolls-2021-01-13|Awaken the Trolls|[[Roy Graham]]|January 13, 2021}}</ref>  represented by a massive [[World Tree]], from which ten separate realms hang like fruits. The realms are constantly shifting and, on occasion, may collapse unto each other. When this happens, a [[Doomskar]] occurs.<ref name="Kaldheim Fest">{{YouTubeRef|kPuibfU7Xjc|Kaldheim Fest|channel=Magic: The Gathering|December 7, 2021}}</ref> This causes earthquakes, destabilization, and total chaos.


There is no sun or moon in Kaldheim.<ref>{{DailyRef|magic-story/know-which-way-wind-blowing-2021-01-08|Know Which Way the Wind is Blowing, Part 1|[[Setsu Uzumé]]|January 8, 2021}}</ref> Light is instead provided by the realm of [[Starnheim]]. In addition, the branches of the World Tree can be seen in the skies of the realms.<ref name="PGtK">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-kaldheim-part-1-2021-01-08|Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 1|[[Ari Zirulnik]]|January 8, 2021}}</ref>
There is no sun or moon in Kaldheim.<ref>{{DailyRef|magic-story/know-which-way-wind-blowing-2021-01-08|Know Which Way the Wind is Blowing, Part 1|[[Setsu Uzumé]]|January 8, 2021}}</ref> Light is instead provided by the realm of [[Starnheim]]. In addition, the branches of the World Tree can be seen in the skies of the realms.<ref name="PGtK">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-kaldheim-part-1-2021-01-08|Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 1|[[Ari Zirulnik]]|January 8, 2021}}</ref>


===History===
===History===
{{Quote|text=The world was born from a seed, and that seed grew into the World Tree, and everything else grew from it. Its leaves were every color imaginable, and as its branches spread out, they became worlds themselves. And once there were ten strong branches, fruit grew on the branches, and those were the Cosmos monsters. The serpent was the firstborn, and he has been growing since before the beginning of time.|author=[[List of in-multiverse works|The First Saga]]}}
{{Quote|text=The world was born from a seed, and that seed grew into the World Tree, and everything else grew from it. Its leaves were every color imaginable, and as its branches spread out, they became worlds themselves. And once there were ten strong branches, fruit grew on the branches, and those were the Cosmos monsters. The serpent was the firstborn, and he has been growing since before the beginning of time.|author=[[List of in-multiverse works#FirstSaga|The First Saga]]}}


At some point in the past, the [[Einir]] [[god]]s ruled the realms, but they were replaced by the [[Skoti]], who became the new pantheon. The defeated Einir became the plane's [[elf#Kaldheim|elves]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/creating-tyvar-kell-2020-12-14|Creating Tyvar Kell|Gerritt Turner|December 14, 2020}}</ref>
At some point in the past, the [[Einir]] [[god]]s ruled the realms, but they were replaced by the [[Skoti]], who became the new pantheon. The defeated Einir became the plane's [[elf#Kaldheim|elves]].<ref name="Tyvar">{{DailyRef|feature/creating-tyvar-kell-2020-12-14|Creating Tyvar Kell|Gerritt Turner|December 14, 2020}}</ref>
 
====Phyrexia invasion====
In 4562 [[AR]], the plane mobilized against the growing [[New Phyrexia (plane)|New Phyrexian]] threat.<ref name="Stronghold">{{DailyRef|magic-story/the-brothers-war-chapter-1-stronghold|The Brothers' War - Chapter 1: Stronghold|[[Reinhardt Suarez]]|October 21, 2022}}</ref>
 
During [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse]], the ten realms collided, connecting Kaldheim as one plane.<ref name="No Sparks Allowed">{{YouTubeRef|sImiwohnUYg|No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies|[[LRRMTG]]|May 10, 2023}}</ref> [[Harald]] and [[Tyvar Kell]] led the defense of all ten realms of Kaldheim against the intruders.<ref>{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-4-beneath-eyes-unblinking|''March of the Machine'' - Episode 4: Beneath Eyes Unblinking|[[K. Arsenault Rivera]]|March 17, 2023}}</ref> To deny the Phyrexians access to the [[World Tree]], Kaldheim's denizens burned the tree.<ref><c>Pyre of the World Tree</c></ref><ref name="Choosing 2">{{DailyRef|making-magic/choosing-your-battles-part-2|Choosing Your Battles, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 17, 2023}}</ref> It is now regrowing, enough to reconnect some of Kaldheim's realms.<ref name="Weekly Aftermath">{{YouTubeRef|27aI-DaCJyg|WeeklyMTG - March of the Machine: The Aftermath|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=May 2, 2023}}</ref> In the aftermath of the Invasion, Skemfar's elves have renewed their challenge against the Skoti.


===The Ten Realms===
===The Ten Realms===
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**'''[[Skybreen]]''', a mountain range inhabited by the last living humans of Karfell, a primitive [[barbarian]] race. Known for its scouring winds and the frigid temperatures that generate a frosty deterrent to magic.
**'''[[Skybreen]]''', a mountain range inhabited by the last living humans of Karfell, a primitive [[barbarian]] race. Known for its scouring winds and the frigid temperatures that generate a frosty deterrent to magic.
*{{B/R}} '''[[Immersturm]]''', the land of fire, [[demon]]s and constant warfare.
*{{B/R}} '''[[Immersturm]]''', the land of fire, [[demon]]s and constant warfare.
*{{R/G}} '''[[Gnottvold]]''', rolling hills and ancient mountains blanketed in thick forests form the home of the [[troll]]s.
*{{R/G}} '''[[Gnottvold]]''', the rolling hills and ancient mountains blanketed in thick forests that form the home of the [[troll]]s.
*{{G/W}} '''[[Bretagard]]''', the realm of [[human]]s.  
*{{G/W}} '''[[Bretagard]]''', the realm of [[human]]s.
*{{W/B}} '''[[Starnheim]]''', the lofty realm of [[valkyrie]]s and fallen [[hero]]es.
*{{W/B}} '''[[Starnheim]]''', the lofty realm of [[valkyrie]]s and fallen [[hero]]es.
*{{U/R}} '''[[Surtland]]''', the snowy realm of constant geological turmoil inhabited by fire and frost [[giant]]s who are locked in a never-ending war.
*{{U/R}} '''[[Surtland]]''', the snowy realm of constant geological turmoil inhabited by fire and frost [[giant]]s who are locked in a never-ending war.
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*{{R/W}} '''[[Axgard]]''', a realm of rugged peaks and rocky flatlands. Home to the [[dwarves]].
*{{R/W}} '''[[Axgard]]''', a realm of rugged peaks and rocky flatlands. Home to the [[dwarves]].
*{{G/U}} '''[[Littjara]]''', the mysterious realm of lakes and pine forests is home to the equally enigmatic race of [[shapeshifter]]s.
*{{G/U}} '''[[Littjara]]''', the mysterious realm of lakes and pine forests is home to the equally enigmatic race of [[shapeshifter]]s.
* Additional realms outside of the ten are known to exist.<ref name="PGtK"/>
*Additional realms outside of the ten are known to exist.<ref name="PGtK"/>
** The '''Gods' Realm''', the location of the Gods' Hall before it fell to Istfell. They have made half-hearted attempts to return there.
**The '''Gods' Realm''', the location of the Gods' Hall before it fell to Istfell. Magic has hindered their return attempts.
** '''[[Valla]]''', a plane that contained the Immersturm, at that point the name of a magical storm afflicting Valla. It became an independent plane after splitting from the World Tree, and the rest became "Immersturm" the realm. Although spared consumption by the storm, a fragment of the Immersturm still survives on Valla.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://forum.nogoblinsallowed.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=26767&p=689961#p689889|title=Valla exists!|author=[[Ethan Fleischer]]|date=January 20, 2021|publisher=No Goblins Allowed}}</ref>
**'''[[Valla]]''', a plane that contained the Immersturm, at that point the name of a magical storm afflicting Valla. It became an independent plane after splitting from the World Tree, and the rest became "Immersturm" the realm. Although spared consumption by the storm, a fragment of the Immersturm still survives on Valla.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://forum.nogoblinsallowed.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=26767&p=689961#p689889|title=Valla exists!|author=[[Ethan Fleischer]]|date=January 20, 2021|publisher=No Goblins Allowed}}</ref>
 
===Unknown Locations===


==Inhabitants==
==Inhabitants==
===Sapient races===
===Sapient races===
*[[God]]s<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/norsing-around-part-1-2021-01-11|Norsing Around, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 11, 2021}}</ref> The gods of Kaldheim are a mercurial bunch. And as much as the denizens of Kaldheim want to be recognized for their amazing feats, they fear to be at their gods' mercy.
*[[God]]s<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/norsing-around-part-1-2021-01-11|Norsing Around, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 11, 2021}}</ref> The gods of Kaldheim are a mercurial bunch. And as much as the denizens of Kaldheim want to be recognized for their amazing feats, they fear being at their gods' mercy.
**[[Alrund]], God of the Cosmos{{U}}
**[[Alrund]], God of the Cosmos{{U}}
**[[Birgi]], God of Storytelling{{R}}
**[[Birgi]], God of Storytelling{{R}}
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**[[Toralf]], God of Fury{{R}}
**[[Toralf]], God of Fury{{R}}
**[[Valki]], God of Lies{{B}}
**[[Valki]], God of Lies{{B}}
*[[Human]]s {{W}}{{U}}{{B}}{{R}}{{G}}
*[[Human]]s {{W}}{{U}}{{B}}{{R}}{{G}}, living in five clans:
**the Beskir, the Defenders of the Code {{W}}
**the Omenseekers, the Navigators {{U}}
**the Skelle, the Raiders {{B}}
**the Tuskeri, the Hedonists {{R}}
**the Kannah, the Wanderers {{G}}
*[[Spirit]]s {{W}}{{U}}
*[[Spirit]]s {{W}}{{U}}
*[[Zombie]]s (Draugr) {{U}}{{B}}
*[[Zombie]]s (Draugr) {{U}}{{B}}
*[[Demon]]s {{B}}{{R}}
*[[Demon]]s {{B}}{{R}}
*[[Troll]]s  
*[[Troll]]s  
** Hagi Trolls {{R}}
**Hagi Trolls {{R}}
** Torga Trolls {{G}}
**Torga Trolls {{G}}
*[[Angel]]s (Valkyries)  
*[[Angel]]s (Valkyries)  
** Shepherds {{W}}
**Shepherds {{W}}
** Reapers {{B}}
**Reapers {{B}}
*[[Giant#Kaldheim|Giants]]  
*[[Giant#Kaldheim|Giants]]  
** Frost Giants {{U}}
**Frost Giants {{U}}
** Fire Giants {{R}}
**Fire Giants {{R}}
*[[Elf#Kaldheim|Elves]]
*[[Elf#Kaldheim|Elves]]
** Wood Elves {{G}}
**Wood Elves {{G}}
** Shadow Elves {{B}}
**Shadow Elves {{B}}
*[[Dwarf|Dwarves]] {{R}}{{W}}
*[[Dwarf|Dwarves]] {{R}}{{W}}
*[[Shapeshifter]]s.
*[[Shapeshifter]]s
**Covewalkers{{U}}
**Covewalkers{{U}}
**Gladewalkers{{G}}
**Gladewalkers{{G}}


===Other===
===Other===
* [[Dragon]]s {{R}} (e.g. <c>Goldspan Dragon</c>)
*[[Dragon]]s {{R}} (e.g. <c>Goldspan Dragon</c>)
* [[Bear]]s {{G}}, including [[Spirit]]-Bears (e.g. <c>Spirit of the Aldergard</c>)
*[[Bear]]s {{G}}, including [[Spirit]]-Bears (e.g. <c>Spirit of the Aldergard</c>)
* [[Bird]]s {{W}}{{U}} : Hawks (e.g. <c>Battlefield Raptor</c> and <c>Pilfering Hawk</c>), Ravens (e.g. <c>Augury Raven</c>) including various cosmic monsters, such as <c>Hakka, Whispering Raven</c> (Raven) or <c>Vega, the Watcher</c> (Owl)
*[[Bird]]s {{W}}{{U}} : Hawks (e.g. <c>Battlefield Raptor</c> and <c>Pilfering Hawk</c>), Ravens (e.g. <c>Augury Raven</c>) including various cosmic monsters, such as <c>Hakka, Whispering Raven</c> (Raven) or <c>Vega, the Watcher</c> (Owl)
* [[Cat]]s {{G}}{{W}}, including Lynxes
*[[Cat]]s {{G}}{{W}}, including Lynxes
* [[Goat]]s {{R}} - mentioned on <c>Craven Hulk</c> and <c>Axgard Cavalry</c>
*[[Goat]]s {{R}} - mentioned on <c>Craven Hulk</c> and <c>Axgard Cavalry</c>
* [[Horse]]s {{U}} (e.g. <c>Cosmos Charger</c>)
*[[Horse]]s {{U}} (e.g. <c>Cosmos Charger</c>)
* [[Imp]]s {{B}} (e.g. <c>Infernal Pet</c>)  
*[[Imp]]s {{B}} (e.g. <c>Infernal Pet</c>)  
* [[Kraken]]s {{U}} (e.g. <c>Icebreaker Kraken</c>)
*[[Kraken]]s {{U}} (e.g. <c>Icebreaker Kraken</c>)
* [[Elephant|Mammoths]] {{G}} (e.g. <c>Battle Mammoth</c>)
*[[Elephant|Mammoths]] {{G}} (e.g. <c>Battle Mammoth</c>)
* [[Ox]]en {{W}} (e.g. <c>Giant Ox</c>)
*[[Ox]]en {{W}} (e.g. <c>Giant Ox</c>)
* [[Pegasus|Pegasi]] {{W}} (e.g. <c>Starnheim Courser</c>)
*[[Pegasus|Pegasi]] {{W}} (e.g. <c>Starnheim Courser</c>)
* [[Scarecrow]]s {{X}} (e.g. <c>Scorn Effigy</c>)
*[[Scarecrow]]s {{C}} (e.g. <c>Scorn Effigy</c>)
* [[Serpent]]s {{G}}{{U}} including the cosmic monster <c>Koma, Cosmos Serpent</c>
*[[Serpent]]s {{G}}{{U}} including the cosmic monster <c>Koma, Cosmos Serpent</c>
* [[Shark]]s {{U}} - mentioned on <c>Mystic Reflection</c>
*[[Shark]]s {{U}} - mentioned on <c>Mystic Reflection</c>
* [[Squirrel]]s {{G}} including the cosmic monster <c>Toski, Bearer of Secrets</c>
*[[Squirrel]]s {{G}} including the cosmic monster <c>Toski, Bearer of Secrets</c>
* [[Spider]]s {{G}} (e.g. <c>Gnottvold Recluse</c>)
*[[Spider]]s {{G}} (e.g. <c>Gnottvold Recluse</c>)
* [[Treefolk]]s {{G}} (e.g. <c>Rootless Yew</c>)
*[[Treefolk]]s {{G}} (e.g. <c>Rootless Yew</c>)
* [[Vampire]] [[Dragon]]s {{B}}{{R}} <c>Immersturm Predator</c>
*[[Vampire]] [[Dragon]]s {{B}}{{R}} <c>Immersturm Predator</c>
* [[Wolf|Wolves]] {{R}}{{G}} (e.g. <c>Fearless Pup</c>, <c>Sarulf's Packmate</c>), including the cosmic monster {{B}}{{G}} <c>Sarulf, Realm Eater</c>
*[[Wolf|Wolves]] {{R}}{{G}} (e.g. <c>Fearless Pup</c>, <c>Sarulf's Packmate</c>), including the cosmic monster {{B}}{{G}} <c>Sarulf, Realm Eater</c>
* [[Wurm]]s {{G}} (e.g. <c>Ravenous Lindwurm</c>)
*[[Wurm]]s {{G}} (e.g. <c>Ravenous Lindwurm</c>)
* [[Yeti]]s {{U}} (e.g. <c>Frostpeak Yeti</c>)
*[[Yeti]]s {{U}} (e.g. <c>Frostpeak Yeti</c>)


==Languages Spoken==
==Languages Spoken==
* The Common Language of Kaldheim
*The Common Language of Kaldheim
* The Language of the Trolls
*The Language of the Trolls
** [[Kaya]] could not understand it<ref name="ep2"/>
**[[Kaya]] could not understand it<ref name="ep2"/>


==Planeswalkers==
==Planeswalkers==
===Native===
===Native===
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Tyvar Kell]]<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/creating-tyvar-kell-2020-12-14|Creating Tyvar Kell|Gerritt Turner|December 14, 2020}}</ref>
*[[Tyvar Kell]]<ref name="Tyvar"/>
}}
}}


Line 119: Line 130:
*[[Chandra Nalaar]]<ref name="Duels">''[[Magic 2014/Duels of the Planeswalkers|Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014]]''</ref>
*[[Chandra Nalaar]]<ref name="Duels">''[[Magic 2014/Duels of the Planeswalkers|Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014]]''</ref>
*[[Kaya]]<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/jsgw64/bored_so_enhancing_bad_photos_of_rubbish_seems/|title=Bored so enhancing bad photos of rubbish seems fine.. oh and, Bearded Axe|author=Procoretech|date=November 12, 2020|publisher=Reddit}}</ref>
*[[Kaya]]<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/jsgw64/bored_so_enhancing_bad_photos_of_rubbish_seems/|title=Bored so enhancing bad photos of rubbish seems fine.. oh and, Bearded Axe|author=Procoretech|date=November 12, 2020|publisher=Reddit}}</ref>
*[[Nahiri]]<ref name="nahiri the lithomancer">[[Seanan McGuire]] (2022). [[Magic: Nahiri the Lithomancer]]. Wizards of the Coast.</ref> (non-canon)
*[[Niko Aris]]<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/creating-niko-aris-2020-12-14|Creating Niko Aris|Gerritt Turner|December 14, 2020}}</ref>
*[[Niko Aris]]<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/creating-niko-aris-2020-12-14|Creating Niko Aris|Gerritt Turner|December 14, 2020}}</ref>
*[[Nissa Revane]]<ref name="Animist">{{WebRef|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/12kyvxc/full_art_of_path_of_the_animist/|title=Full Art of Path of the Animist|date=April 13, 2023|author=Liiga Smilshkalne|publisher=Reddit}}</ref>
*[[Ramaz]]<ref name="Duels"/>
*[[Ramaz]]<ref name="Duels"/>
*[[Tibalt]]<ref name="Welcome"/>
*[[Tibalt]]<ref name="Welcome"/>
}}
}}
===Non-planeswalker visitors===
*[[Vorinclex]]


==In-game references==
==In-game references==
{{In-game
{{In-game
|cards=
|cards=
*<c>Littjara</c>
*<c>Skybreen</c>
*<c>Skybreen</c>
|associated=
*<c>Invasion of Kaldheim</c>
|art=
*{{card|Wooded Foothills|Modern Horizons III|MH3}}
|referred=
|referred=
*<c>Birgi, God of Storytelling</c>
*<c>Birgi, God of Storytelling</c>
*<c>Furnace Host Charger</c>
*<c>Ichor Elixir</c>
*<c>Pyre of the World Tree</c>
*<c>Serpent-Blade Assailant</c>
*<c>Story Seeker</c>
*<c>Story Seeker</c>
*{{card|Wooded Foothills|Modern Horizons III|MH3}}
}}
}}
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* The name "Kaldheim" literally means "cold home" in several North Germanic languages, such as Old Norse, Icelandic, and Norwegian Nynorsk. "Home" means "land", "realm" or "world" in this context, like in Old Norse ''Jǫtunheimr'' "land of the giants" or "Giants' home". The word ''heimr'' was used along with the word ''garðr'' lit. "yard"  (as in ''Miðgarðr'' lit. "Midyard") in the names of various realms in Norse mythology.
*The name "Kaldheim" literally means "cold home" in several North Germanic languages, such as Old Norse, Icelandic, and Norwegian Nynorsk. "Home" means "land", "realm" or "world" in this context, like in Old Norse ''Jǫtunheimr'' "land of the giants" or "Giants' home". The word ''heimr'' was used along with the word ''garðr'' lit. "yard"  (as in ''Miðgarðr'' lit. "Midyard") in the names of various realms in Norse mythology.
* Kaldheim is metaphysically close to [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]].<ref name="Far Side">{{DailyRef|magic-story/glimpse-far-side-sun-2018-01-17|Glimpse the Far Side of the Sun|[[R&D Narrative Team]]|January 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/MTGAlison/status/953676784897110016 Alison Luhrs on Twitter]</ref>
*Kaldheim is metaphysically close to [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]].<ref name="Far Side">{{DailyRef|magic-story/glimpse-far-side-sun-2018-01-17|Glimpse the Far Side of the Sun|[[R&D Narrative Team]]|January 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/MTGAlison/status/953676784897110016 Alison Luhrs on Twitter]</ref>
* The Ten Worlds are adapted from the [[Wikipedia:Nine Realms|Nine Realms]], with some variation to expand to the ten color pairs. Whilst most have counterparts, [[Wikipedia:%C3%81lfheimr|Álfheimr]] and [[Wikipedia:Svart%C3%A1lfar|Svartálfaheimr]] are effectively merged in Skemfar (neither are well detailed mythologically). [[Wikipedia:Nifelheim|Niflheimr]] is also split into Istfell and Karfell, reflecting the parts of Niflheimr that are outside [[Wikipedia:Hel_(location)|Helheim]] and those that are inside it, respectively. Jötunheimr is partially represented in Gnottvold and Muspelheimr is partially represented in Immersturm, but both are partially merged with Niflheimr in the realm of Surtland.
*The Ten Worlds are adapted from the [[Wikipedia:Nine Realms|Nine Realms]], with some variation to expand to the ten color pairs. Whilst most have counterparts, [[Wikipedia:%C3%81lfheimr|Álfheimr]] and [[Wikipedia:Svart%C3%A1lfar|Svartálfaheimr]] are effectively merged in Skemfar (neither are well-detailed mythologically). [[Wikipedia:Nifelheim|Niflheimr]] is also split into Istfell and Karfell, reflecting the parts of Niflheimr that are outside [[Wikipedia:Hel_(location)|Helheim]] and those that are inside it, respectively. Jötunheimr is partially represented in Gnottvold and Muspelheimr is partially represented in Immersturm, but both are partially merged with Niflheimr in the realm of Surtland.
**Surtland, in particular, appears to be a reference both to [[Wikipedia:%C3%9Atgar%C3%B0ar|Útgarðar or Útgarðr]], which is sometimes said to lie on the junction of Jötunheimr, Musphelheimr, and Niflheimr, and to [[Wikipedia:Ginnungagap|Gunnungagap]], which is a primordial void connecting Niflheimr and Musphelheimr across which the elements of ice and fire influence each other, giving birth to the [[Wikipedia:Yggdrasil|World Tree]].
**Surtland, in particular, appears to be a reference both to [[Wikipedia:%C3%9Atgar%C3%B0ar|Útgarðar or Útgarðr]], which is sometimes said to lie on the junction of Jötunheimr, Musphelheimr, and Niflheimr, and to [[Wikipedia:Ginnungagap|Gunnungagap]], which is a primordial void connecting Niflheimr and Musphelheimr across which the elements of ice and fire influence each other, giving birth to the [[Wikipedia:Yggdrasil|World Tree]].
**Also, Axgard appears to take inspiration from [[Wikipedia:Ni%C3%B0avellir|Niðavellir]], a place sometimes considered to be the same as and sometimes distinct from Svartálfaheimr, as well as Asgard in at least its name.
**Also, Axgard appears to take inspiration from [[Wikipedia:Ni%C3%B0avellir|Niðavellir]], a place sometimes considered to be the same as and distinct from Svartálfaheimr, as well as Asgard in at least its name.


==References==
==References==
Line 143: Line 170:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-kaldheim-part-1-2021-01-08|Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 1|[[Ari Zirulnik]]|January 8, 2021}}
*{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-kaldheim-part-1-2021-01-08|Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 1|[[Ari Zirulnik]]|January 8, 2021}}
* {{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-kaldheim-part-2-2021-01-14|Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 2|[[Ari Zirulnik]] and [[Jenna Helland]]|January 14, 2021}}
*{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-kaldheim-part-2-2021-01-14|Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 2|[[Ari Zirulnik]] and [[Jenna Helland]]|January 14, 2021}}


{{Kaldheim|{{!}} |state=collapsed}}
{{Kaldheim|{{!}} |state=collapsed}}
{{Planes of the Multiverse}}
{{Planes of the Multiverse}}
[[Category:Planar types]]

Latest revision as of 00:16, 18 May 2024

Kaldheim
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Snow-Covered Island.jpg}}|250px]]
Information
First seen Planechase
Last seen March of the Machine
Rabiah Scale 4[1]
Status Recovering from New Phyrexia's invasion
Demonym Kaldheimr[2]

Kaldheim is a top-down Norse mythology-inspired plane; Magic's take on what a world inspired by Vikings might look like.[3][4]

History in the game

Kaldheim was first featured on the card Skybreen in the 2009 Planechase set.[5] In the Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014 game, Kaldheim was the location of the ultimate antagonist Ramaz. In 2021, it is the setting of the eponymous Kaldheim set.

Description

Kaldheim is steeped in storytelling and song, and all of its denizens share a common ethos: it is a plane of warriors who boast of their great deeds and yearn to die heroically in battle, who fight hard and celebrate harder, and where great tales pass into myth through the ages.[6]

Pivotal to the plane is the Cosmos, a "realm between" which Planeswalkers cannot cross[7] represented by a massive World Tree, from which ten separate realms hang like fruits. The realms are constantly shifting and, on occasion, may collapse unto each other. When this happens, a Doomskar occurs.[8] This causes earthquakes, destabilization, and total chaos.

There is no sun or moon in Kaldheim.[9] Light is instead provided by the realm of Starnheim. In addition, the branches of the World Tree can be seen in the skies of the realms.[10]

History

The world was born from a seed, and that seed grew into the World Tree, and everything else grew from it. Its leaves were every color imaginable, and as its branches spread out, they became worlds themselves. And once there were ten strong branches, fruit grew on the branches, and those were the Cosmos monsters. The serpent was the firstborn, and he has been growing since before the beginning of time.

— The First Saga

At some point in the past, the Einir gods ruled the realms, but they were replaced by the Skoti, who became the new pantheon. The defeated Einir became the plane's elves.[11]

Phyrexia invasion

In 4562 AR, the plane mobilized against the growing New Phyrexian threat.[12]

During New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse, the ten realms collided, connecting Kaldheim as one plane.[13] Harald and Tyvar Kell led the defense of all ten realms of Kaldheim against the intruders.[14] To deny the Phyrexians access to the World Tree, Kaldheim's denizens burned the tree.[15][16] It is now regrowing, enough to reconnect some of Kaldheim's realms.[17] In the aftermath of the Invasion, Skemfar's elves have renewed their challenge against the Skoti.

The Ten Realms

The Ten Realms are separate mini-planes moving around the World Tree and can even collide. Each realm is loosely aligned with a color pair.

The ten realms of Kaldheim
  • {W/U} Istfell, the mist-shrouded realm at the base of the World Tree. Home to the spirits of those who didn't fall in battle.
  • {U/B} Karfell, the realm of the draugr (viking zombies).
    • Skybreen, a mountain range inhabited by the last living humans of Karfell, a primitive barbarian race. Known for its scouring winds and the frigid temperatures that generate a frosty deterrent to magic.
  • {B/R} Immersturm, the land of fire, demons and constant warfare.
  • {R/G} Gnottvold, the rolling hills and ancient mountains blanketed in thick forests that form the home of the trolls.
  • {G/W} Bretagard, the realm of humans.
  • {W/B} Starnheim, the lofty realm of valkyries and fallen heroes.
  • {U/R} Surtland, the snowy realm of constant geological turmoil inhabited by fire and frost giants who are locked in a never-ending war.
  • {B/G} Skemfar, the shadowed forest land of wood and shadow elves.
  • {R/W} Axgard, a realm of rugged peaks and rocky flatlands. Home to the dwarves.
  • {G/U} Littjara, the mysterious realm of lakes and pine forests is home to the equally enigmatic race of shapeshifters.
  • Additional realms outside of the ten are known to exist.[10]
    • The Gods' Realm, the location of the Gods' Hall before it fell to Istfell. Magic has hindered their return attempts.
    • Valla, a plane that contained the Immersturm, at that point the name of a magical storm afflicting Valla. It became an independent plane after splitting from the World Tree, and the rest became "Immersturm" the realm. Although spared consumption by the storm, a fragment of the Immersturm still survives on Valla.[18]

Inhabitants

Sapient races

  • Gods[19] The gods of Kaldheim are a mercurial bunch. And as much as the denizens of Kaldheim want to be recognized for their amazing feats, they fear being at their gods' mercy.
  • Humans {W}{U}{B}{R}{G}, living in five clans:
    • the Beskir, the Defenders of the Code {W}
    • the Omenseekers, the Navigators {U}
    • the Skelle, the Raiders {B}
    • the Tuskeri, the Hedonists {R}
    • the Kannah, the Wanderers {G}
  • Spirits {W}{U}
  • Zombies (Draugr) {U}{B}
  • Demons {B}{R}
  • Trolls
    • Hagi Trolls {R}
    • Torga Trolls {G}
  • Angels (Valkyries)
    • Shepherds {W}
    • Reapers {B}
  • Giants
    • Frost Giants {U}
    • Fire Giants {R}
  • Elves
    • Wood Elves {G}
    • Shadow Elves {B}
  • Dwarves {R}{W}
  • Shapeshifters
    • Covewalkers{U}
    • Gladewalkers{G}

Other

Languages Spoken

  • The Common Language of Kaldheim
  • The Language of the Trolls

Planeswalkers

Native

Visitors

Non-planeswalker visitors

In-game references

Represented in:
Associated cards:
Depicted in:
Referred to:

Trivia

  • The name "Kaldheim" literally means "cold home" in several North Germanic languages, such as Old Norse, Icelandic, and Norwegian Nynorsk. "Home" means "land", "realm" or "world" in this context, like in Old Norse Jǫtunheimr "land of the giants" or "Giants' home". The word heimr was used along with the word garðr lit. "yard" (as in Miðgarðr lit. "Midyard") in the names of various realms in Norse mythology.
  • Kaldheim is metaphysically close to Ixalan.[20][26]
  • The Ten Worlds are adapted from the Nine Realms, with some variation to expand to the ten color pairs. Whilst most have counterparts, Álfheimr and Svartálfaheimr are effectively merged in Skemfar (neither are well-detailed mythologically). Niflheimr is also split into Istfell and Karfell, reflecting the parts of Niflheimr that are outside Helheim and those that are inside it, respectively. Jötunheimr is partially represented in Gnottvold and Muspelheimr is partially represented in Immersturm, but both are partially merged with Niflheimr in the realm of Surtland.
    • Surtland, in particular, appears to be a reference both to Útgarðar or Útgarðr, which is sometimes said to lie on the junction of Jötunheimr, Musphelheimr, and Niflheimr, and to Gunnungagap, which is a primordial void connecting Niflheimr and Musphelheimr across which the elements of ice and fire influence each other, giving birth to the World Tree.
    • Also, Axgard appears to take inspiration from Niðavellir, a place sometimes considered to be the same as and distinct from Svartálfaheimr, as well as Asgard in at least its name.

References

  1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (2024-05-13). "The Rabiah Scale, Part 3". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Alison Lührs (March 24, 2023). "March of the Machine - Ravnica: One and the Same". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Blake Rasmussen (September 1, 2020). "Zendikar Debut and Announcement Day Recap". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 8, 2020). "Is Kaldheim a top-down Norse Mythology inspired plane?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  5. ↑ Doug Beyer (September 02, 2009). "The Planes of Planechase". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (December 14, 2020). "Welcome to the Face-Melting World of Kaldheim". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ a b Roy Graham (January 13, 2021). "Awaken the Trolls". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ Kaldheim Fest (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube.
  9. ↑ Setsu Uzumé (January 8, 2021). "Know Which Way the Wind is Blowing, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ a b Ari Zirulnik (January 8, 2021). "Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ a b Gerritt Turner (December 14, 2020). "Creating Tyvar Kell". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Reinhardt Suarez (October 21, 2022). "The Brothers' War - Chapter 1: Stronghold". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies (Video). YouTube.
  14. ↑ K. Arsenault Rivera (March 17, 2023). "March of the Machine - Episode 4: Beneath Eyes Unblinking". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Pyre of the World Tree
  16. ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 17, 2023). "Choosing Your Battles, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ WeeklyMTG - March of the Machine: The Aftermath (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (May 2, 2023).
  18. ↑ Ethan Fleischer (January 20, 2021). "Valla exists!". No Goblins Allowed.
  19. ↑ Mark Rosewater (January 11, 2021). "Norsing Around, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ a b R&D Narrative Team (January 17, 2018). "Glimpse the Far Side of the Sun". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ a b Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014
  22. ↑ Procoretech (November 12, 2020). "Bored so enhancing bad photos of rubbish seems fine.. oh and, Bearded Axe". Reddit.
  23. ↑ Seanan McGuire (2022). Magic: Nahiri the Lithomancer. Wizards of the Coast.
  24. ↑ Gerritt Turner (December 14, 2020). "Creating Niko Aris". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  25. ↑ Liiga Smilshkalne (April 13, 2023). "Full Art of Path of the Animist". Reddit.
  26. ↑ Alison Luhrs on Twitter

External links

Kaldheim sets
Kaldheim storyline
Magic Story
set settings
Seen on
plane cards
Other planes
Non-canon
Related
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