Esika
| Esika | |
|---|---|
| God of the World Tree | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Colors |
 |
| Species | God |
| Birth, Life & Death | |
| Birthplace | Kaldheim |
| Family | |
| Relatives | Tergrid (sister) |
Esika is the green-aligned god of the World Tree from Kaldheim.
Description
The quiet and humble Esika understands the World Tree and the Cosmos better than anyone, even Alrund. Her deep connection to the World Tree lets her communicate with the Cosmos in ways that she is just beginning to understand; ways that confound even the other gods. What's more, she has walked every realm and knows how each forest connects to the World Tree.[1]
She provides the other gods with her Cosmos Elixir, made from the sap of the World Tree, which provides the other gods with their immortality, power, and divinity.[2] She is the only one who knows how to make the elixir, and she's not planning on sharing her secret with anyone.
History
Esika and her sister Tergrid came into being when Alrund used runic magic to commune with the World Tree.
When Vorinclex came to Kaldheim, he used Tibalt to distract people away from his plans. He found Esika's sanctum and mauled the goddess; dying, she witnessed him taking a tyrite sample and returning to New Phyrexia.[3] On the brink of death, she revived herself using the Cosmos Elixir.[4]
Phyrexian Invasion
The Phyrexian Invasion Tree, grown from the very essence that had been stolen, forced its way into the Cosmos on Kaldheim.[5] This corrupted and twisted incarnation of the Tree caused severe disruption to Esika, the god who normally navigates the Cosmos with ease. The intrusion was so profound that Esika became disoriented, losing her connection to the Cosmos and her ability to guide herself through its vast expanse. This loss was especially dangerous because the other gods, each locked in their desperate battles against the Phyrexian forces, depended on Esika's Cosmos Elixir. This powerful substance was vital in strengthening their abilities and protecting them from falling under the corrupting influence of the Phyrexians.
To counter this dire situation, Esika turned to the one mortal she believed capable of aiding her: Inga Rune-Eyes, the leader of the Omenseeker clan.[5] Inga possesses a rare and remarkable gift of vision, allowing her to perceive safe and hidden paths through the ever-shifting Cosmos. Using this unique talent, Inga charts the safest routes for Esika's chariot, enabling the goddess to reach the places where her presence and power are needed most during the ongoing struggle against the Phyrexian Invasion.
Trivia
- She is based on Idunn, the Norse goddess of apples whose fruits provide the Aesir gods with immortality.
- The Prismatic Bridge is a reference to the Bifröst, the rainbow bridge that reaches between Midgard (Earth) and Asgard, the realm of the Aesir. Esika may also have a connection with Heimdallr, the god who guards Bifröst.
- Esika's Chariot is a reference to the chariot of the goddess Freyja, who is guided by cats.
- Being the "God of the World Tree," Esika has a relationship with Odin, since the name of the World Tree Yggdrasil's name is: Ygg's horse (Ygg is one of Odin's other names).
Gallery
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Showcase art -
Secret Lair art -
March of the Machine key art.
Story appearances
| Title | Author | Publishing date | Set | Setting (plane) | Featuring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 5: The Battle for Kaldheim | Roy Graham with contributions by Jenna Helland | 2021-02-03 | Kaldheim | Kaldheim | Hakka, Arni, Fynn, Inga Rune-Eyes, Sigrid, Kaya, Tyvar Kell, Alrund, Halvar, Varragoth, Vorinclex, Cosima, Harald, Koma, Niko Aris, Esika |
| Duskmourn: House of Horror - Episode 4: Don't Give Up | Mira Grant | 2024-08-26 | Duskmourn: House of Horror | Duskmourn | Kyodai (depicted), The Wanderer, Winter, Niko Aris, Esika (mentioned), Nashi, Tamiyo (mentioned), Aminatou, Jace Beleren, Kaito Shizuki, Himoto, Vraska, Loot, Tyvar Kell, Zimone Wola, Kianne (depicted) |
In-game references
- Represented in:
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Quoted or referred to:
References
- ↑ Ari Zirulnik and Jenna Helland (January 21, 2021). "The Legends of Kaldheim". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Ari Zirulnik (January 8, 2021). "Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Roy Graham (February 03, 2021). "Episode 5: The Battle for Kaldheim". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Flavor text of Tribute to the World Tree
- ↑ a b Emily Teng (April 13, 2023). "The Legendary Team-Ups of March of the Machine". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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