Analyzing the arts of Magic: The Gathering - The Gods of Theros

In January of this year we had the triumphant return to the Theros plan and its respective well-known characters (Theros Beyond Death collection).

As the title says, our focus here is on the Gods and their impact on this unique collection, which was even entitled to a product of Secret Lair's reprints (alternative arts of cards that already exist). Bringing the "constellation" version of the first Gods presented to us in 2014 in their block of collections that showed a lot about the plan (Theros, Nyx and Born of the Gods). See the example below: Xenagos, God of Revels, in its first version and now, in its alternative art;

collection: Born of the Gods / 2014

collection: Secret Lair / 2020

Gods are enchantment creatures that only become creatures and participate in the battle when their devotion number is reached. Static and active abilities can be triggered normally, making them really powerful pieces in play.

"Okay, I know that, but what do they bring to the game that is so special?" Let's go!

First of all we noticed that in addition to its references in Greek mythology, Wizards took advantage of this new "wave" of exclusive products with alternative art (mentioned in my previous article), showing creativity and bringing us two versions of each God and even demigods.

I will use as an example the Purphoros, Bronze-Blooded, in its normal and alternative versions;

As I mentioned above, we also have the variation in cards of demigods;

Opening a quick parenthesis here, the demigods of this collection, as well as their superiors, are only linked to their specific color, obtaining power or resistance according to devotion. These creatures, for the most part, have already been featured in the 2014 collection and return stronger and more unforgiving than ever in Theros Beyond Death.

As we can see here, the great thing was to show these Theros divinities in their superior form and/or in a constellation, thus reinforcing their premise and idea focused on the mechanics of devotion.

And taking advantage of this new concept of alternative arts, Wizards launched the basic lands with the arts also with the same theme, see the image below;

In my first article here on the site I went deeper into this type of art explaining in detail this "new" appearance.

As each deity represents an element and color of the game, each has its function within the lore (history of the game).

This time, we no longer rely on artifact cards, which are nothing more than their respective weapons. Instead, we have some "abilities" that are presented to us as interventions for example, check out the images below, two of these cards using the divinity Purphoros as an example;

Its grandeur is not only summed up in the history or the power of the cards that bear its name, but also in the beautiful arts that show how rich this plan is.

The immortal Gods of Nyx, lead their domains and sow the war traveling through Theros, conjuring soldiers, beasts, krakens and several other enchanted creatures to maintain their supremacy against the famous travelers: Planeswalkers.

Did you like the analysis? Do you want to know more about some other collection, another plan? Do you want to know more about Planeswalker?

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