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{{Infobox type
{{Infobox type
|type=creature
|type=creature
|stats={{stats|B=1|WU=1|M=1|A=115}}
|stats={{stats|W=5|U=1|B=2|R=3|G=3|WU=1|RW=1|M=1|A=141}}
as of ''[[Zendikar Rising]]''
{{stats|Golem creation|C=1|W=5|U=2|R=4|G=5|WU=1|UB=1|RW=1|M=1|A=10|state=collapsed}}
as of ''[[The Big Score]]''
}}
}}
{{TOCright}}
{{TOCright}}
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==Storyline==
==Storyline==
===Alara===
===Alara===
====Esper====
====Esper====
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===Amonkhet===
===Amonkhet===
Golems on [[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]] were formed in the aftermath of the Hour of Devastation. The Tombs of Disgrace, sarcophagi once used to imprison dissenters against the [[God-Pharaoh]]s teachings, came to life and walked through the [[Naktamun|destroyed city]], searching for what once had made them whole (<c>Hollow One</c>).
Golems on [[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]] were formed in the aftermath of the Hour of Devastation. The Tombs of Disgrace, sarcophagi once used to imprison dissenters against the [[God-Pharaoh]]s teachings, came to life and walked through the [[Naktamun|destroyed city]], searching for what once had made them whole (<c>Hollow One</c>).
===Arcavios===
Various kinds of golems can be found roaming [[Strixhaven]] campus, attending to the College's needs. In particular, many golems, some highly intelligent, have been excavated by [[Lorehold]] College.


===Dominaria===
===Dominaria===
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====Hollow Warriors====
====Hollow Warriors====
{{card plural|Hollow Warrior}} were used by the [[Keldons]] during their invasion of [[Jamuraa]]. They were powered using the life-force of living beings, but could only be used for a short time before the warrior powering them became fatigued.
{{card plural|Hollow Warrior}} were used by the [[Keldons]] during their invasion of [[Jamuraa]]. They were powered using the life force of living beings, but could only be used for a short time before the warrior powering them became fatigued.


====Thran Golems====
====Thran Golems====
{{card plural|Thran Golem}} were amongst the most ancient forms of golem. They served as an inspiration for the young [[Urza]], who copied their design and then used it as a basis for his more advanced golems. When Urza was dueling with [[Gerrard]] in [[Phyrexia]], he created a number of golems that he brought to life by inscribing them with the word EMETH, meaning  “truth” in the [[Thran]] language.<ref>Although Emeth is called a Thran word in the books, it is in fact a Hebrew word. This ties in with the mythological origins of golems.</ref>  
{{card plural|Thran Golem}} were amongst the most ancient forms of golems. They inspired the young [[Urza]], who copied their design and then used it as a basis for his more advanced golems. When Urza was dueling with [[Gerrard]] in [[Phyrexia]], he created several golems that he brought to life by inscribing them with the word EMETH, meaning  “truth” in the [[Thran]] language.<ref>Although Emeth is called a Thran word in the books, it is a Hebrew word. This ties in with the mythological origins of golems.</ref>
 
===Eldraine===
Golems on [[Eldraine]] appear to spontaneously arise from uncontrolled magic imbuing life into artificial humanoid forms, from statues to [[Food|gingerbread cookies]].
 
Gingerbread golems, known as gingerbrutes, are often created in the Realm accidentally by bakers, causing mayhem throughout the kitchen before running to the Wilds where their ingredients originated.<ref name="D&D Eldraine">[[James Wyatt]] et al. (2023). "''[[D&D Monstrous Compendium: Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> The [[Warlock|witches]] of Dunbarrow craft gingerbrutes intentionally, employing them as soldiers. They are able to speek the same language as their creator. The same magic that animates a gingerbrute also makes it more delicious. Those who have eaten one report feeling a burst of energy like a long-lasting sugar rush.


===Innistrad===
===Innistrad===
Line 39: Line 47:
===Ixalan===
===Ixalan===
====Stone Guardians====
====Stone Guardians====
Through the years in which the [[Sun Empire]] was ruled from [[Orazca]], its priests crafted huge stone guardians (e.g. <c>Gilded Sentinel</c>) to protect the empire's cities and temples. The incredible magic of the [[Immortal Sun]] gave a semblance of life to these artificial creatures, endowing them with the ability to move their stone bodies, a keen awareness of their surroundings, and a limited ability to think and reason in order to help them carry out their orders. These stone guardians were tasked with a standing watch—constantly alert, vigilant to any danger, never sleeping, and unswerving in their duty.
Through the years in which the [[Sun Empire]] was ruled from [[Orazca]], its priests crafted huge stone guardians (e.g. <c>Gilded Sentinel</c>) to protect the empire's cities and temples. The incredible magic of the [[Immortal Sun]] gave a semblance of life to these artificial creatures, endowing them with the ability to move their stone bodies, a keen awareness of their surroundings, and a limited ability to think and reason to help them carry out their orders. These stone guardians were tasked with a standing watch—constantly alert, vigilant to any danger, never sleeping, and unswerving in their duty.


Most stone guardians are inactive now. In ancient ruins lying far from the old capital, the magic that gave them life has faded over the centuries. Even within the golden city, many of them have become inert, and those who seek to explore Orazca or other ancient ruins must be on constant guard. Any carved figure or statue might well be a stone guardian whose magic has failed. But it might also be a guardian that is simply waiting for a threat before it activates and drives that threat away.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/plane-shift-ixalan-2018-01-09|Plane Shift: Ixalan|[[James Wyatt]]|January 9, 2018}}</ref>
Most stone guardians are inactive now. The magic that gave them life has faded over the centuries in ancient ruins lying far from the old capital. Even within the golden city, many of them have become inert, and those who seek to explore Orazca or other ancient ruins must be on constant guard. Any carved figure or statue might well be a stone guardian whose magic has failed. But it might also be a guardian that is simply waiting for a threat before it activates and drives that threat away.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/plane-shift-ixalan-2018-01-09|Plane Shift: Ixalan|[[James Wyatt]]|January 9, 2018}}</ref>


===Mirrodin===
===Mirrodin===
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===Ravnica===
===Ravnica===
====Glass Golems====
====Glass Golems====
{{card plural|Glass Golem}} were created by the [[Izzet]]. They are powerful but very fragile.
{{card plural|Glass Golem}} were created by the [[Izzet League|Izzet]]. They are powerful but very fragile.


====Transguild Couriers====
====Transguild Couriers====
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===Theros===
===Theros===
The <c>Hammer of Purphoros</c> and [[Purphoros|the god]] that wields it is able to create golems infused with the essence of [[Nyx]] from the earth.
The <c>Hammer of Purphoros</c> and [[Purphoros|the god]] that wields it can create golems infused with the essence of [[Nyx]] from the earth.


Other golems are often statues guarding [[Theros (plane)#Poleis|poleis]] or temples dedicated to the [[god]]s that come to life when they are threatened. The most impressive of these is the <c>Colossus of Akros</c>.
Other golems are often statues guarding [[Theros (plane)#Poleis|poleis]] or temples dedicated to the [[god]]s that come to life when they are threatened. The most impressive of these is the <c>Colossus of Akros</c>.
Line 73: Line 81:


===Zendikar===
===Zendikar===
Most golems on [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]], like the <c>Enatu Golem</c>, were created by the pre-[[Eldrazi]] civilizations of the plane as means to defend themselves and their holy sites. In the ages that followed, some mages found a way to recreate the process. They shape bodies from special stone and infuse them with the power of movement and limited understanding. Golems are rare and powerful, especially when shaped from stone that already possesses magical power.<ref>[http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/magic/Plane%20Shift%20Zendikar.pdf Plane Shift: Zendikar]</ref> An example of this is the <c>Lodestone Golem</c>, whose very presence warps the [[Aether]] and blocks most spells.
Most golems on [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]], like the <c>Enatu Golem</c>, were created by the pre-[[Eldrazi]] civilizations of the plane as means to defend themselves and their holy sites. In the ages that followed, some mages found a way to recreate the process. They shape bodies from special stones and infuse them with the power of movement and limited understanding. Golems are rare and powerful, especially when shaped from stone that already possesses magical power.<ref>[http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/magic/Plane%20Shift%20Zendikar.pdf Plane Shift: Zendikar]</ref> An example of this is the <c>Lodestone Golem</c>, whose very presence warps the [[Aether]] and blocks most spells.


==Notable Golems==
==Notable Golems==
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
;Alara
*[[Armix]]
;Arcavios
*[[Alibou]]
;Dominaria
;Dominaria
*[[Boom]] was the nickname of a golem who was used by [[Captain Hask]] and his men. He fought with them against the dragon [[Zumaki]].
*[[Boom]]  
*[[Karn]] was a silver golem created by [[Urza]]. He served aboard the [[Weatherlight]] and was part of [[the Legacy]]. Following the Legacy Weapon's use, Karn became a [[planeswalker]] and created the plane of [[Argentum]], later known as [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]].
*[[Karn]]


;Mirrodin
;New Phyrexia/mirrodin
*[[Bosh]] was an iron golem from [[Mirrodin]] who accompanied [[Glissa Sunseeker]].
*[[Bosh]]  
*[[Memnarch]] was the overseer left in charge of Argentum in Karn's absence. He became mad, converted Argentum into Mirrodin and attempted to become a planeswalker.
*[[Memnarch]]  
* [[Malil]], Memnarch's personal assistant
*[[Malil]]
*<c>The Hollow Sentinel</c>


;Zendikar
;Zendikar
*<c>Tuktuk the Returned</c> (After [[Tuktuk]] was killed in a hedron mystical trap).
*[[Tuktuk]]
}}


==Tokens==
==Tokens==
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==Golem manlands and artifacts==
==Golem manlands and artifacts==
Colorless Golem artifact ceatures are created by:
Colorless Golem artifact creatures are created by:
* <c>Dread Statuary</c> (4/2)
*<c>Dread Statuary</c> (4/2)
* <c>Guardian Idol</c> (2/2)
*<c>Guardian Idol</c> (2/2)
* <c>Jade Statue</c> (3/6)
*<c>Jade Statue</c> (3/6)
* <c>Xanthic Statue</c> (8/8)
*<c>Xanthic Statue</c> (8/8)


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Creature types|Artifact Races|Golems}}
{{Creature types|Races|Golems}}

Latest revision as of 01:05, 6 April 2024

Golem
Creature Type
(Subtype for creature/kindred cards)
Statistics
158 cards
{W} 3.2% {U} 0.6% {B} 1.3% {R} 1.9% {G} 1.9% {W/U} 0.6% {R/W} 0.6% {M} 0.6% {artifact symbol} 89.2%
31 Golem creation cards
{C} 3.2% {W} 16.1% {U} 6.5% {R} 12.9% {G} 16.1% {W/U} 3.2% {U/B} 3.2% {R/W} 3.2% {M} 3.2% {artifact symbol} 32.3%
as of The Big Score
Scryfall Search
type:"Golem"

Golem is a creature type describing artificial life-forms created by magic, typically with powerstones providing them with energy. There is some degree of ambiguity between golems and constructs, which are powered by physical machinery.[1]

The first golem creature was Obsianus Golem from Alpha, although it only gained the golem type in Sixth Edition.

Description

Golems are usually humanoid in shape, although they are often much larger than a human and occasionally have additional limbs to help them perform their tasks. Golems can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common ones are made of metal or stone due to their strength and malleability. Golems are generally created to perform a specific purpose that would be inconvenient, difficult, or impossible for a wizard to do, such as carrying heavy objects, working in dangerous environments, or engaging in physical combat.

Storyline

Alara

Esper

Golems were mainly constructed on Esper, using Etherium (Salvage Titan).

Amonkhet

Golems on Amonkhet were formed in the aftermath of the Hour of Devastation. The Tombs of Disgrace, sarcophagi once used to imprison dissenters against the God-Pharaohs teachings, came to life and walked through the destroyed city, searching for what once had made them whole (Hollow One).

Arcavios

Various kinds of golems can be found roaming Strixhaven campus, attending to the College's needs. In particular, many golems, some highly intelligent, have been excavated by Lorehold College.

Dominaria

Sardian Colossi

Enormous golems created as protectors of the Sardian Mountains.[2]

Dragon Attendants

The Attendants, such as Rith's Attendant, served each of the Primeval Dragons and were designed to help awaken them.

Hollow Warriors

Hollow Warriors were used by the Keldons during their invasion of Jamuraa. They were powered using the life force of living beings, but could only be used for a short time before the warrior powering them became fatigued.

Thran Golems

Thran Golems were amongst the most ancient forms of golems. They inspired the young Urza, who copied their design and then used it as a basis for his more advanced golems. When Urza was dueling with Gerrard in Phyrexia, he created several golems that he brought to life by inscribing them with the word EMETH, meaning “truth” in the Thran language.[3]

Eldraine

Golems on Eldraine appear to spontaneously arise from uncontrolled magic imbuing life into artificial humanoid forms, from statues to gingerbread cookies.

Gingerbread golems, known as gingerbrutes, are often created in the Realm accidentally by bakers, causing mayhem throughout the kitchen before running to the Wilds where their ingredients originated.[4] The witches of Dunbarrow craft gingerbrutes intentionally, employing them as soldiers. They are able to speek the same language as their creator. The same magic that animates a gingerbrute also makes it more delicious. Those who have eaten one report feeling a burst of energy like a long-lasting sugar rush.

Innistrad

On Innistrad, golems like the Epitaph Golem are formed when angry geists possess gravestones and mausoleums, marauding around grafs.[5]

Ixalan

Stone Guardians

Through the years in which the Sun Empire was ruled from Orazca, its priests crafted huge stone guardians (e.g. Gilded Sentinel) to protect the empire's cities and temples. The incredible magic of the Immortal Sun gave a semblance of life to these artificial creatures, endowing them with the ability to move their stone bodies, a keen awareness of their surroundings, and a limited ability to think and reason to help them carry out their orders. These stone guardians were tasked with a standing watch—constantly alert, vigilant to any danger, never sleeping, and unswerving in their duty.

Most stone guardians are inactive now. The magic that gave them life has faded over the centuries in ancient ruins lying far from the old capital. Even within the golden city, many of them have become inert, and those who seek to explore Orazca or other ancient ruins must be on constant guard. Any carved figure or statue might well be a stone guardian whose magic has failed. But it might also be a guardian that is simply waiting for a threat before it activates and drives that threat away.[6]

Mirrodin

Ur-Golems

The Ur-Golems were an ancient civilization of golems, created by Karn in his image, that lived on Mirrodin before the plane was taken over by Memnarch, who sent them to fight the mycosynth plague that eventually eradicated them. They are now only known through their etchings.

Ravnica

Glass Golems

Glass Golems were created by the Izzet. They are powerful but very fragile.

Transguild Couriers

Transguild Couriers were used by all of the guilds to relay messages between the guild leaders as they avoid face-to-face contact, but are immune to bribery and threats.

Walking Archives

Walking Archives were used by the Azorius Senate as a combination of a librarian and a library itself.

Tarkir

The golems of Tarkir were constructed by the monks of the Jeskai Way. These golems are especially resilient and known to last over a thousand years (Pilgrim of the Fires). They were used to guard the holiest sites of the Jeskai and protect the secrets of the world's past.

In the old timeline, ancient golems lived in the polar regions, having witnessed the fall of Ugin and the death of the dragons (Witness of the Ages).

In the new timeline, the Silumgar are known to raid and steal the old Jeskai golems and repurpose them as treasure guardians. While the Ojutai still practice the crafting of golems, their new models are less hardy than before (Keeper of the Lens). This leads some mages to seek out lost lore about them.

Theros

The Hammer of Purphoros and the god that wields it can create golems infused with the essence of Nyx from the earth.

Other golems are often statues guarding poleis or temples dedicated to the gods that come to life when they are threatened. The most impressive of these is the Colossus of Akros.

Vryn

Golems were constructed by parties unknown to guard the Mage-Rings on Vryn (Mage-Ring Responder).

Zendikar

Most golems on Zendikar, like the Enatu Golem, were created by the pre-Eldrazi civilizations of the plane as means to defend themselves and their holy sites. In the ages that followed, some mages found a way to recreate the process. They shape bodies from special stones and infuse them with the power of movement and limited understanding. Golems are rare and powerful, especially when shaped from stone that already possesses magical power.[7] An example of this is the Lodestone Golem, whose very presence warps the Aether and blocks most spells.

Notable Golems

Alara
Arcavios
Dominaria
New Phyrexia/mirrodin
Zendikar

Tokens

Token Name Color Type Line P/T Text Box Source Printings
Golem Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem 3/3
Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem 3/3 Flying
Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem 3/3 Vigilance
Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem 3/3 Trample
Colorless Enchantment Artifact Creature — Golem 3/3
Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem 4/4
Red/​White Artifact Creature — Golem 4/4
Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem 4/6
Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem 9/9
Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem X/X
Colorless Artifact Creature — Golem X/X Haste
Tuktuk the Returned Colorless Legendary Artifact Creature — Goblin Golem 5/5
Phyrexian Golem Colorless Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Golem 3/3
The Hollow Sentinel Colorless Legendary Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Golem 3/3

Golem manlands and artifacts

Colorless Golem artifact creatures are created by:

References

  1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 01, 2017). "What's the difference between a golem and an automaton?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  2. ↑ Magic Arcana (July 30, 2007). "Colossus of the Sardian Range". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Although Emeth is called a Thran word in the books, it is a Hebrew word. This ties in with the mythological origins of golems.
  4. ↑ James Wyatt et al. (2023). "D&D Monstrous Compendium: Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures". Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Plane Shift: Innistrad
  6. ↑ James Wyatt (January 9, 2018). "Plane Shift: Ixalan". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Plane Shift: Zendikar
 
Multicolored {M}
Majority {W}
Majority {U}
Majority {B}
Majority {R}
Majority {G}
Majority {C}
Majority Token
Crossover
 
Notable Races
Notable Classes
Other
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