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{{Tabber
| link1 = Snake
| link2 = Naga
}}
{{Infobox type
{{Infobox type
|type=creature
|type=creature
|stats={{stats|G=55|GU=7|B=18|U=4|A=4|R=1|BR=1|RG=1|M=1}}
|stats={{stats|C=1|W=1|U=22|B=24|R=2|G=82|RG=2|BG=2|GU=9|M=4|A=4}}
as of ''[[Modern Horizons 2]]''
{{stats|Snake creation|U=5|B=2|G=12|BG=1|M=1|A=3|state=collapsed}}
as of ''[[The Lost Caverns of Ixalan]]''
|beeble=5
|beeble_ref=<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/188721633853/|title=Where are Snakes on the beeble scale?|2019-10-31}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{TOCright}}
{{TOCright}}
'''Snake''' is a [[creature type]] used for cards that depict scaled, limbless, [[reptile]]s with salivary glands often modified to produce venom which is injected through grooved or tubular fangs. However, when appearing as Snake-folk they do in fact have arms.  
'''Snake''' is a [[creature type]] used for cards that depict scaled, limbless, [[reptile]]s with salivary glands often modified to produce venom which is injected through grooved or tubular fangs. However, when appearing as Snake-folk they do have arms. [[Naga]] was incorporated into this subtype in 2023 based on Wizard's terminology changes.<ref>{{DailyRef|announcements/card-updates-coming-with-khans-of-tarkir-on-mtg-arena|Card Updates Coming with Khans of Tarkir on MTG Arena|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|November 3, 2023}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 24: Line 31:


====Dementia Snakemen====
====Dementia Snakemen====
Dementia Snakemen were created by [[Chainer]] when he exiled [[the First]] to [[Aphetto]]. The creatures were sent ahead of the First to seize control of the city prior to his arrival in order to make his takeover more difficult, although the First did eventually convince them to obey him. They were created using the power of the [[Mirari]] and continued to exist after Chainer's death, serving the Patriarch as bodyguards and assassins.
Dementia Snakemen were created by [[Chainer]] when he exiled [[the First]] to [[Aphetto]]. The creatures were sent ahead of the First to seize control of the city before he arrived to make his takeover more difficult, although the First did eventually convince them to obey him. They were created using the power of the [[Mirari]] and continued to exist after Chainer's death, serving the Patriarch as bodyguards and assassins.


===Ixalan===
===Ixalan===
Line 31: Line 38:


Coatls are immortal guardians of the sky, dwelling always among the clouds. The River Heralds say that they can be enticed to the ground by the earnest supplication of the wisest of [[merfolk]] [[shaman]]s. Coatls are said to be wise beyond mortal measure and incapable of speaking a falsehood, so their advice is often sought in times of desperate need. The sight of a coatl is thought to foretell favorable winds — a belief that has begun to spread from the River Herald shamans to the pirates of the [[Brazen Coalition]].
Coatls are immortal guardians of the sky, dwelling always among the clouds. The River Heralds say that they can be enticed to the ground by the earnest supplication of the wisest of [[merfolk]] [[shaman]]s. Coatls are said to be wise beyond mortal measure and incapable of speaking a falsehood, so their advice is often sought in times of desperate need. The sight of a coatl is thought to foretell favorable winds — a belief that has begun to spread from the River Herald shamans to the pirates of the [[Brazen Coalition]].
Given their similar appearance and color alignment, they may have some connection to the Deep [[God]] [[Ojer Pakpatiq]].


===Kamigawa===
===Kamigawa===
====Orochi====
====Orochi====
Orochi are anthropomorphic four-armed snakefolk that inhabit the [[Jukai Forest]] of [[Kamigawa]] (<c>Orochi Colony</c>).<ref>{{DailyRef|truth-fantasy-2005-03-07|Truth in Fantasy|Alex Smith|March 07, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/orochi-art-previews-2004-09-09|Orochi art previews|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 09, 2004}}</ref> The orochi of Jukai are segregated into three main tribes: the Kashi tribe, which houses and breeds the [[warrior]]s of their kind; the Matsu tribe, which are snipers and [[scout]]s; and the Sakura tribe, which associates with the race's [[shaman]]ic rituals and teachings.<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-june-2005-2005-06-01|Ask Wizards - June, 2005|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June, 2005}}</ref> Of course, each tribe has its exceptions.
'''Orochi''' (oh-ROH-chee; <small>Kamigawan: orochi-bito, lit. "snakefolk"</small>)<ref name="Glossary 1"/> originally were anthropomorphic four-armed snakefolk that inhabited the [[Jukai Forest]] of [[Kamigawa]] (<c>Orochi Colony</c>).<ref>{{DailyRef|truth-fantasy-2005-03-07|Truth in Fantasy|[[Alex Smith]]|March 07, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/orochi-art-previews-2004-09-09|Orochi art previews|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 09, 2004}}</ref> They were segregated into three main tribes: the '''Kashi''' tribe (KAH-shee; <small>Kamigawan: lit. "Oak"</small>),<ref name="Glossary 1">{{DailyRef|arcana/kamigawa-glossary-part-1-2004-09-14|A Kamigawa Glossary, Part 1|[[Magic Arcana]]|September 14, 2004}}</ref> which housed and bred the [[warrior]]s of their kind; the '''Matsu''' tribe (MAHT-soo; <small>Kamigawan: lit. "Pine"</small>),<ref name="Glossary 1"/> which were snipers and [[scout]]s; and the '''Sakura''' tribe (SAH-koo-rah; <small>Kamigawan: lit. "Cherry"</small>),<ref name="Glossary 1"/> which associated with the race's [[shaman]]ic rituals and teachings.<ref>{{DailyRef|ask-wizards-june-2005-2005-06-01|Ask Wizards - June, 2005|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June, 2005}}</ref> Of course, each tribe had its exceptions.
 
Contrary to what humans believe, Orochi are not immune to their venom.<ref name="ChampionsGuide">(2004). ''[https://archive.org/details/champions-of-kamigawa-players-guide-magic-the-gathering-2004 Champions of Kamigawa Player's Guide].'' [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> One of the numerous rituals orochi undergo to become full-fledged members of the Kashi Tribe is to drink a mixture of all the other warriors’ venom from an ancient cup.
 
For centuries, the Orochi were simple hunters who led their lives in harmony with the forest's [[kami]], perhaps the most in tune with the kami of all the plane's mortals.<ref name="Insert">[[Wizards of the Coast]] (October 1, 2004). "[[Champions of Kamigawa/Theme decks#Snake's Path|Snake's Path]] Deck Insert".</ref> When the [[Kami War]] began, the orochi were despondent. At first, they refused to take up arms against the nature [[spirit]]s they worshipped, letting themselves be slaughtered instead. The orochi [[Suzue]] sought out the [[budoka]] [[Dosan]], and raised her son [[Seshiro]] among the [[monk]]s of [[Okina]] Shrine. Seshiro would go on to become Broodmaster, and his children [[Sosuke]] and [[Sachi]] would lead the Matsu and Sakura tribes, respectively.
 
After the war, the Orochi returned to their peaceful coexistence with the kami.<ref name="Kirin">{{DailyRef|feature/teachings-kirin-2022-01-20|Teachings of the Kirin|[[Emily Teng]]|January 20, 2022}}</ref> However, the construction of the city of [[Towashi]] and the destruction of the forest that came with it enraged the kami. They drove out all who had been living within its borders and closed the forest off to everyone — including the Orochi.
 
Cut off from their ancestral homeland, the Orochi struggled to fit in.<ref name="Kirin"/> New [[akki]] inventions and [[moonfolk]] experiments with the merging realms had fueled a boom of innovation and new access to power that the Orochi found themselves unable to keep up with. Even worse, they could no longer draw on the kamis' powers as they were used to.
 
Desperate, the Orochi appealed to the kami for help.<ref name="Kirin"/> In the end, it was the [[kirin]] who answered that call. But the kirin refused to become the Orochi's new patron, as they first requested. Instead, through a series of tasks and quests, the kirin helped the Orochi understand the truth behind their loss of power: the kami of Jukai Forest, in their anger at the mortals, hadn't stopped at physically ejecting them from the forest but had cut off all who drew strength from them as well. The Orochi could regain their power, but they had to prove their willingness and sacrifice to the forest kami first: they had to give up a set of arms and legs and revert to simpler forms. The catch was that doing so would make integration into modern-day Kamigawa even more difficult.
 
The kami had deliberately set a request they expected the Orochi wouldn't agree to.<ref name="Kirin"/> However, the Orochi surprised them by accepting these terms without hesitation and even offered to give up their remaining set of arms as well. Touched by their devotion, the kami granted the Orochi power magnitudes greater than what they had ever had before, and instead of simply taking all their limbs, granted the Orochi a new form to help them better channel that power.


Orochi magic is based on reverence to [[kami]] of the land itself and is noticeably tied to the seasons (see also: [[Orochi ability]]).
Orochi magic is based on reverence to [[kami]] of the land itself and is noticeably tied to the seasons (see also: [[Orochi ability]]).
Line 40: Line 61:
===Ravnica===
===Ravnica===
====Coiling Oracle====
====Coiling Oracle====
Snaking remnants of nature directed by a body of thought and progress, the <c>coiling oracle</c>s are blend of snake and elf that embody all that is [[Simic]].<ref>Flavor text of <c>Coiling oracle</c></ref>
Snaking remnants of nature directed by a body of thought and progress, the <c>coiling oracle</c>s are a blend of snake and elf that embody all that is [[Simic]].<ref>Flavor text of <c>Coiling oracle</c></ref>


====Patagia Viper====
====Patagia Viper====
Using its membranes, the Patagia Viper is able to glide between buildings. They are capable of obtaining lift within the course of these flights.
Using its membranes, the Patagia Viper can glide between buildings. They are capable of obtaining lift within the course of these flights.


===Theros===
===Theros===
Line 50: Line 71:


====Servants of Pharika or Erebos====
====Servants of Pharika or Erebos====
Other snakes of Theros are not referencing any particular Greek Myth, but simply servants of Erebos or Pharika. This is depicted in <c>Pharika's Chosen</c>, <c>Erebos's Emissary</c>, <c>Pharika's Cure</c>, and <c>Pharika, God of Affliction</c>  
Other snakes of Theros are not referencing any particular Greek Myth, but are simply servants of Erebos or Pharika. This is depicted in <c>Pharika's Chosen</c>, <c>Erebos's Emissary</c>, <c>Pharika's Cure</c>, and <c>Pharika, God of Affliction</c>
 
====Typhons====
Introduced in [[Theros Beyond Death|Theros: Beyond Death]], Typhons are a species of the ravenous snake [[Beast|beasts]] native to the [[The Underworld|Underworld]] of Theros. They are based on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhon giant monster of the same name] from Greek Myth.


===Tarkir===
===Tarkir===
Both the [[Sultai Brood]] and its successor, the [[Silumgar]] Brood use snakes. This is depicted in <c>Ukud Cobra</c>, <c>Hooded Hydra</c>, <c>Rite of the Serpent</c>, and <c>Sudden Reclamation</c>
Both the [[Sultai Brood]] and its successor, the [[Silumgar]] Brood use snakes. This is depicted in <c>Ukud Cobra</c>, <c>Hooded Hydra</c>, <c>Rite of the Serpent</c>, and <c>Sudden Reclamation</c>.


==Gorgons==
==Gorgons==
Line 64: Line 88:


==Notable Snakes==
==Notable Snakes==
===Dominaria===
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*'''Leer''', '''Soot''', '''Barrel''', '''Grim''' and '''Nod''' were five of [[Chainer]]'s snakeman [[assassin]]s. They aided [[Braids]] in tracking [[Kamahl]] back to the [[Pardic Mountains]] but were slain in battle against [[Balthor]] and the other Pardic [[barbarian]]s before they could kill Kamahl and steal the [[Mirari]] from him.
;Dominaria
*'''Leer''', '''Soot''', '''Barrel''', '''Grim''' and '''Nod''', [[Chainer]]'s snake-man [[assassin]]s.
 
;Kamigawa
*[[Chishiro]]
*[[Kaseto]]
*[[Sachi]]
*[[Sakiko]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Kamigawa|Sasaya]]
*[[Seshiro]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Kamigawa|Shidako]]
*[[Shigeki]]
*[[Shisato]]
*[[Shizuko]]
*[[Sosuke]]
*[[Suzue]]
 
;Ikoria
*[[Xyris]]
 
;Ravnica
*[[Lonis]]
 
;Non-canon
*<c>Sivriss, Nightmare Speaker</c>
}}


===Kamigawa===
===Notable Naga===
* [[Seshiro]], the leader of the orochi colonies.
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
* <c title="Sachi">Sachi, Daughter of Seshiro</c>. the leader of the orochi [[shaman]]s. Daughter of Seshiro.
;Amonkhet
* <c title="Shidako">Shidako, Broodmistress</c>. an orochi matriarch and warrior.
*[[List of secondary characters/Amonkhet|Kamat]]
* <c title="Shisato">Shisato, Whispering Hunter</c>. an orochi warrior known for her cunning and ruthlessness.
*[[Imoti]]
* <c title="Sasaya">Sasaya, Orochi Ascendant</c>. an orochi female whose meditations enabled her to meld her life force with that of the forest.
* <c title="Sakiko">Sakiko, Mother of Summer</c>, an orochi matron who has mastered the art of drawing green mana from her enemies’ holdings.
* <c title="Shizuko">Shizuko, Caller of Autumn</c> a powerful orochi shaman and rival of Sakiko who believes the orochi should be self-sufficient and uninvolved in the kami war.
* <c title="Sosuke">Sosuke, Son of Seshiro</c>. the leader of the orochi [[warrior]]s; also the son of Seshiro.
* [[Kaseto]], an orochi archmage.


===Ikoria===
;Tarkir
* [[Xyris]]
*[[Ikra Shidiqi]]
*[[Kadena]]
*Omarthis
*[[Sidisi]]
}}


===Ravnica===
==Gallery==
*<c>Lonis, Cryptozoologist</c>
<gallery>
File:OrochiConcept.jpg|Orochi dwelling concept by [[Anthony Scott Waters]].
</gallery>


==Creature Update==
==Creature Update==
Creature types changed into Snake include:
Creature types changed into Snake include:
* '''Asp''' (<c>Nafs Asp</c>)
*'''Asp''' (<c>Nafs Asp</c>)
* '''Cobra''' (<c>Hornet Cobra</c>)
*'''Cobra''' (<c>Hornet Cobra</c>)
* '''Poison-Snake''' (<c>Serpent Generator</c>)
*'''Poison-Snake''' (<c>Serpent Generator</c>)
* '''Python''' (<c>Python</c>)
*'''Python''' (<c>Python</c>)
* '''Viper''' (<c>Marsh Viper</c>)
*'''Viper''' (<c>Marsh Viper</c>)
*'''[[Naga]]'''


;Examples of other snake species included in the Snake type
;Examples of other snake species included in the Snake type
* <c>Mold Adder</c>
*<c>Mold Adder</c>
* <c>Anaconda</c>
*<c>Anaconda</c>
* <c>Boa Constrictor</c>
*<c>Boa Constrictor</c>
* <c>Blight Mamba</c>
*<c>Blight Mamba</c>
* <c>Ribbon Snake</c>
*<c>Ribbon Snake</c>


==Tokens==
==Tokens==
Line 108: Line 159:
*<c>Wall of Vipers</c> {{-}} The only [[Wall]] Snake.
*<c>Wall of Vipers</c> {{-}} The only [[Wall]] Snake.
*<c>Zombie Boa</c> and <c>Rotting Fensnake</c> {{-}} The only [[Zombie]] Snakes.
*<c>Zombie Boa</c> and <c>Rotting Fensnake</c> {{-}} The only [[Zombie]] Snakes.
*<c>Coiled Tinviper</c> and <c>Vector Asp</c> {{-}} [[Artifact]] Snakes.
*<c>Coiled Tinviper</c>, <c>Vector Asp</c>, <c>Narnam Cobra</c>, and <c>Stonecoil Serpent</c> {{-}} [[Artifact]] Snakes.
*<c>Patagia Viper</c>, <c>Ribbon Snake</c>, <c>Ice-Fang Coatl</c>, and <c>Winged Coatl</c> {{-}} [[Flying]] Snakes.
*<c>Patagia Viper</c>, <c>Ribbon Snake</c>, <c>Ice-Fang Coatl</c>, <c>Winged Coatl</c>, and <c>Spire Winder</c> {{-}} [[Flying]] Snakes.
*<c>Serpent Assassin</c> and <c>Serpent Warrior</c> {{-}} Pre-Orochi Snake-People from ''[[Portal]]''.
*<c>Serpent Assassin</c> and <c>Serpent Warrior</c> {{-}} Pre-Orochi Snake-People from ''[[Portal]]''.
*<c>Snakeform</c> is an [[instant]] that can turn a creature into a green Snake with base power and toughness 1/1.
*<c>Snakeform</c> is an [[instant]] that can turn a creature into a green Snake with base power and toughness 1/1.
*<c>Jinxed Choker</c> is actually a thin silver snake that slowly tightens its grip.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/jinxed-artifacts-2003-12-16|Jinxed artifacts|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 16, 2003}}</ref>
*<c>Jinxed Choker</c> is a thin silver snake that slowly tightens its grip.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/jinxed-artifacts-2003-12-16|Jinxed artifacts|[[Magic Arcana]]|December 16, 2003}}</ref>
* <c>Thieving Amalgam</c> is an [[Ape]] Snake.
*<c>Thieving Amalgam</c> is an [[Ape]] Snake.
* <c>Xyris, the Writhing Storm</c> is a Snake [[Leviathan]]
*<c>Xyris, the Writhing Storm</c> is a Snake [[Leviathan]]
* <c>Animal Sanctuary</c> is a [[land]] that can put [[+1/+1 counter]]s on snakes.
*<c>Animal Sanctuary</c> is a [[land]] that can put [[+1/+1 counter]]s on snakes.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 01:30, 8 April 2024

Snake
 
Naga
 
Snake
Creature Type
(Subtype for creature/kindred cards)
Beeble Scale 5[1]
Statistics
153 cards
{C} 0.7% {W} 0.7% {U} 14.4% {B} 15.7% {R} 1.3% {G} 53.6% {R/G} 1.3% {B/G} 1.3% {G/U} 5.9% {M} 2.6% {artifact symbol} 2.6%
24 Snake creation cards
{U} 20.8% {B} 8.3% {G} 50% {B/G} 4.2% {M} 4.2% {artifact symbol} 12.5%
as of The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Scryfall Search
type:"Snake"

Snake is a creature type used for cards that depict scaled, limbless, reptiles with salivary glands often modified to produce venom which is injected through grooved or tubular fangs. However, when appearing as Snake-folk they do have arms. Naga was incorporated into this subtype in 2023 based on Wizard's terminology changes.[2]

History

The first creature to bear the type was River Boa in Visions (though Crypt Cobra and Sabertooth Cobra from Mirage, the Hornet Cobra from Legends, and Nafs Asp from Antiquities were later issued errata to become Snakes). After the Grand Creature Type Update Snake became a common "tribe".

Storyline

Alara

Coatl

The coatl are large, winged serpents created during the Conflux on Alara. The nacatl call them "vetli", a word that means "poison arrow".[3] Wingless variants also exist, whose scales are believed to be inscribed with secrets.[4]

Amonkhet

Serpopards

Based on an actual mythological creature, serpopards are cat snakes endemic to Amonkhet. They were kept in the menagerie of the god Rhonas.

Dominaria

Hornet Cobras

Hornet Cobras were poisonous serpents. One was summoned by the Calthyn Elves while fighting against the Kieryn Elves in the White Woods of Corondor.

Dementia Snakemen

Dementia Snakemen were created by Chainer when he exiled the First to Aphetto. The creatures were sent ahead of the First to seize control of the city before he arrived to make his takeover more difficult, although the First did eventually convince them to obey him. They were created using the power of the Mirari and continued to exist after Chainer's death, serving the Patriarch as bodyguards and assassins.

Ixalan

Coatl

Coatls are large serpents with feathered wings that are native to the continent of Ixalan.[5] The River Heralds rever the Coatl as representative of the wisdom of the sky and the rivers that twist through the air to reflect the course of rivers along the ground.

Coatls are immortal guardians of the sky, dwelling always among the clouds. The River Heralds say that they can be enticed to the ground by the earnest supplication of the wisest of merfolk shamans. Coatls are said to be wise beyond mortal measure and incapable of speaking a falsehood, so their advice is often sought in times of desperate need. The sight of a coatl is thought to foretell favorable winds — a belief that has begun to spread from the River Herald shamans to the pirates of the Brazen Coalition.

Given their similar appearance and color alignment, they may have some connection to the Deep God Ojer Pakpatiq.

Kamigawa

Orochi

Orochi (oh-ROH-chee; Kamigawan: orochi-bito, lit. "snakefolk")[6] originally were anthropomorphic four-armed snakefolk that inhabited the Jukai Forest of Kamigawa (Orochi Colony).[7][8] They were segregated into three main tribes: the Kashi tribe (KAH-shee; Kamigawan: lit. "Oak"),[6] which housed and bred the warriors of their kind; the Matsu tribe (MAHT-soo; Kamigawan: lit. "Pine"),[6] which were snipers and scouts; and the Sakura tribe (SAH-koo-rah; Kamigawan: lit. "Cherry"),[6] which associated with the race's shamanic rituals and teachings.[9] Of course, each tribe had its exceptions.

Contrary to what humans believe, Orochi are not immune to their venom.[10] One of the numerous rituals orochi undergo to become full-fledged members of the Kashi Tribe is to drink a mixture of all the other warriors’ venom from an ancient cup.

For centuries, the Orochi were simple hunters who led their lives in harmony with the forest's kami, perhaps the most in tune with the kami of all the plane's mortals.[11] When the Kami War began, the orochi were despondent. At first, they refused to take up arms against the nature spirits they worshipped, letting themselves be slaughtered instead. The orochi Suzue sought out the budoka Dosan, and raised her son Seshiro among the monks of Okina Shrine. Seshiro would go on to become Broodmaster, and his children Sosuke and Sachi would lead the Matsu and Sakura tribes, respectively.

After the war, the Orochi returned to their peaceful coexistence with the kami.[12] However, the construction of the city of Towashi and the destruction of the forest that came with it enraged the kami. They drove out all who had been living within its borders and closed the forest off to everyone — including the Orochi.

Cut off from their ancestral homeland, the Orochi struggled to fit in.[12] New akki inventions and moonfolk experiments with the merging realms had fueled a boom of innovation and new access to power that the Orochi found themselves unable to keep up with. Even worse, they could no longer draw on the kamis' powers as they were used to.

Desperate, the Orochi appealed to the kami for help.[12] In the end, it was the kirin who answered that call. But the kirin refused to become the Orochi's new patron, as they first requested. Instead, through a series of tasks and quests, the kirin helped the Orochi understand the truth behind their loss of power: the kami of Jukai Forest, in their anger at the mortals, hadn't stopped at physically ejecting them from the forest but had cut off all who drew strength from them as well. The Orochi could regain their power, but they had to prove their willingness and sacrifice to the forest kami first: they had to give up a set of arms and legs and revert to simpler forms. The catch was that doing so would make integration into modern-day Kamigawa even more difficult.

The kami had deliberately set a request they expected the Orochi wouldn't agree to.[12] However, the Orochi surprised them by accepting these terms without hesitation and even offered to give up their remaining set of arms as well. Touched by their devotion, the kami granted the Orochi power magnitudes greater than what they had ever had before, and instead of simply taking all their limbs, granted the Orochi a new form to help them better channel that power.

Orochi magic is based on reverence to kami of the land itself and is noticeably tied to the seasons (see also: Orochi ability).

Ravnica

Coiling Oracle

Snaking remnants of nature directed by a body of thought and progress, the coiling oracles are a blend of snake and elf that embody all that is Simic.[13]

Patagia Viper

Using its membranes, the Patagia Viper can glide between buildings. They are capable of obtaining lift within the course of these flights.

Theros

Snakes that mirror Greek myths

Greek Mythology describes several particular snakes, many of which are directly referenced by snakes from Theros. Snake of the Golden Grove is a reference to the Drakon Kholkikos, a giant snake or dragon, as the two creatures were not always clearly distinct in Greek myth, that guarded the Golden Fleece and was eventually slain by Jason and his Argonauts. Nemesis of Mortals is a reference to Python, a giant snake that was an enemy of Apollo. Nessian Asp references the amphisbaena, a type of two-headed snake often referenced in Greek texts.

Servants of Pharika or Erebos

Other snakes of Theros are not referencing any particular Greek Myth, but are simply servants of Erebos or Pharika. This is depicted in Pharika's Chosen, Erebos's Emissary, Pharika's Cure, and Pharika, God of Affliction

Typhons

Introduced in Theros: Beyond Death, Typhons are a species of the ravenous snake beasts native to the Underworld of Theros. They are based on the giant monster of the same name from Greek Myth.

Tarkir

Both the Sultai Brood and its successor, the Silumgar Brood use snakes. This is depicted in Ukud Cobra, Hooded Hydra, Rite of the Serpent, and Sudden Reclamation.

Gorgons

The Gorgons of Theros have snakelike hair and bodies.

Main article: Gorgon

Nagas

The Nagas are snake-folk found on Amonkhet and Tarkir.

Main article: Naga

Notable Snakes

Dominaria
Kamigawa
Ikoria
Ravnica
Non-canon

Notable Naga

Amonkhet
Tarkir

Gallery

Creature Update

Creature types changed into Snake include:

Examples of other snake species included in the Snake type

Tokens

Token Name Color Type Line P/T Text Box Source Printings
Snake Black Creature — Snake 1/1 Deathtouch
Black/​Green Enchantment Creature — Snake 1/1 Deathtouch
Green Creature — Snake 1/1
Green Creature — Snake 1/1 Deathtouch
Green/​Blue Creature — Snake 1/1
Colorless Artifact Creature — Snake 1/1 Whenever this creature deals damage to a player, that player gets a poison counter.
Green Creature — Snake 5/4
Honored Hydra White Creature — Zombie Snake Hydra 6/6 Trample
Tah-Crop Skirmisher White Creature — Zombie Snake Warrior 2/1
Champion of Wits Black Creature — Zombie Snake Wizard 4/4 When Champion of Wits enters the battlefield, you may draw cards equal to its power. If you do, discard two cards.
Fanatic of Rhonas Black Creature — Zombie Snake Druid 4/4 {T}: Add {G}.
Ferocious — {T}: Add {G}{G}{G}{G}. Activate only if you control a creature with power 4 or greater.
Sinuous Striker Black Creature — Zombie Snake Warrior 4/4 {U}: Sinuous Striker gets +1/-1 until end of turn.
Broodbirth Viper Blue Creature — Snake 3/3 Whenever Broodbirth Viper deals combat damage to a player, you may draw a card.
Mist-Syndicate Naga Blue Creature — Snake Ninja 3/1 Ninjutsu {2}{U}
Whenever Mist-Syndicate Naga deals combat damage to a player, create a token that’s a copy of Mist-Syndicate Naga.
Test cards
Token Name Color Type Line P/T Text Box Source Printings
Snake Black Creature — Snake 1/1 Deathtouch

Trivia

References

  1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (2019-10-31). "Where are Snakes on the beeble scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  2. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (November 3, 2023). "Card Updates Coming with Khans of Tarkir on MTG Arena". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Flavor text of Winged Coatl
  4. ↑ Flavor text of Lorescale Coatl
  5. ↑ James Wyatt (January 9, 2018). "Plane Shift: Ixalan". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ a b c d Magic Arcana (September 14, 2004). "A Kamigawa Glossary, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Alex Smith (March 07, 2005). "Truth in Fantasy". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ Magic Arcana (September 09, 2004). "Orochi art previews". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (June, 2005). "Ask Wizards - June, 2005". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ (2004). Champions of Kamigawa Player's Guide. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (October 1, 2004). "Snake's Path Deck Insert".
  12. ↑ a b c d Emily Teng (January 20, 2022). "Teachings of the Kirin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Flavor text of Coiling oracle
  14. ↑ Magic Arcana (October 28, 2004). "Sketches: Orochi Hatchery". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Magic Arcana (May 25, 2006). "Dissension Token Art". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Magic Arcana (December 16, 2003). "Jinxed artifacts". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
 
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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