fbpx

Good Morning Magic Talks History Of Shrines

On today’s Good Morning Magic, Gavin Verhey discusses the history of Shrines in Magic!

Honden of Night’s Reach, illustrated by Jim Nelson

On today’s episode of Good Morning Magic, Gavin Verhey discussed the history of Shrines in Magic: The Gathering.

Originally printed in Champions of Kamigawa, the first cycle of Shrines were known as “Hondens” – sacred buildings from Japanese mythology. The Honden is “the most sacred building at a Shinto shrine” and is built for the use of the enshrined Kami.

Honden of Seeing Winds Honden of Infinite Rage Honden of Life's Web Honden of Night's Reach Honden of Cleansing Fire

Also accompanying the Hondens in Champions of Kamigawa, were the associated Kami – the Myojins.

Myojin of Seeing Winds Myojin of Infinite Rage Myojin of Life's Web Myojin of Night's Reach Myojin of Cleansing Fire

According Verhey, when designing the Kamigawa Shrines, they were all originally four mana, and took into account Shrines under the opponents control as well. Additionally, Honden of Life’s web originally had the enchantment becoming a creature with power and toughness equal to the number of Shrines you controlled. Changes were eventually made to better balance the power each Shrine possessed.

Sanctum of All

The Shrine sub-type returns in Core Set 2021, but instead of carrying the Honden title, they are now Sanctums. Despite the name change, these new Shrines operate in the same way – building value for each one on the battlefield. Even more fun, all ten Shrines are legal in Historic on MTG Arena!