Myr

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Myr
Creature Type
(Subtype for creature/kindred cards)
Beeble Scale 5 (8 outside of New Phyrexia)[1]
Statistics
42 cards
{W} 2.4% {U} 4.8% {artifact symbol} 92.9%
16 Myr creation cards
{W} 18.8% {U} 6.3% {B} 6.3% {U/R} 6.3% {artifact symbol} 62.5%
as of Phyrexia: All Will Be One
Scryfall Search
type:"Myr"

Myr (rhymes with "deer") is a creature type describing the metal automatons created by Memnarch that are found all over Mirrodin.[2]

Description

Myr were created as mindless servitors and acted out a single role without question.[3][4][5] However, there is said to be intelligence and emotion behind their sullen, mechanical eyes. Memnarch can see through the eyes of the myr using the Darksteel Eye.

Since the fall of Memnarch, many myr continued to fulfill their duties regardless of having no master while others simply shut down to await commands that would never come. Some developed consciousness and free will.[6] At the start of the Phyrexian invasion, many were adapted to the Phyrexian side and equipped with sinew grafts, ichor, and necrogen.[7]

The planeswalker Tamiyo once used the creation myth of the myr to magically cure Jace Beleren of his madness.[8] This myth section describes the variety of form and function of the myr as being the natural result of engineered differences in replicating myr.

Etymology and design

The word "myr" is derived from the Greek word for "ant" (“myrmeco-”). The etymology is a direct reference to their small size, worker-role mentality, and ubiquitous presence.[9] There is also the connection with the Myrmidon of Greek myth. The word has transmuted through history so that the word “myrmidon” refers to “a subordinate who executes orders unquestioningly or unscrupulously”. Myr were initially conceived as gnomes, but later moved to their current incarnation.[10] Their primary design specs were to be small colorless artifact creatures with very limited, but unique abilities.[3]

Mark Rosewater attributes the creation of the Myr to Brady Dommermuth. The set originally had Gnomes, and Brady didn’t want to do them and had to provide an alternative.[11]

Creature type

Notable Myr

New Phyrexia

Tokens

Token Name Color Type Line P/T Text Box Source Printings
Myr Colorless Artifact Creature — Myr 1/1
Phyrexian Myr Colorless Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Myr 1/1
Blue Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Myr 2/1
Myr Propagator Colorless Artifact Creature — Myr 1/1 {3}, {T}: Put a token that's a copy of Myr Propagator onto the battlefield.

References

  1. Mark Rosewater (April 5, 2021). "Hello Mark! Where are Myr on the beeble scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  2. Mark Rosewater (February 6, 2023). "Mission Compleat, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. a b Mark Rosewater (Monday, June 07, 2004). "Myr Myr, Off The Wall". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. Doug Beyer (December 24, 2008). "How to Design a Hellion and More!". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. Doug Beyer (August 10, 2011). "Magic's Exclusive Creatures". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. Nik Davidson (May 11, 2016). "Stories and Endings". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. Doug Beyer (Wednesday, September 15, 2010). "Myr Thee Well". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. Nik Davidson (May 11, 2016). "Stories and Endings". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. Mark Gottlieb (Thursday, June 10, 2004). "Myrrer, Myrrer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. Mark Rosewater (May 20, 2016). "Some trivia on Myrs,?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  11. Mark Rosewater (May 16, 2024). "Who originally created the Myr as a concept?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  12. Tom LaPille (September 10, 2010). "Myr Mortals". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. Monty Ashley (September 20, 2010). "Know Your Myr". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.