Ancient Animus

Description

The Ancient Animus, identified as card number 154 in the 2018 Magic: The Gathering Dominaria set, offers a straightforward yet potent effect for players building around legendary permanents. Illustrated by Titus Lunter under the set code DOM, this common card costs one generic mana and one green mana, resulting in a mana value of 2. Its primary function is to place a +1/+1 counter on a target legendary creature you control, instantly boosting its stats. Beyond simple stat enhancement, the card includes a secondary combat clause: the empowered creature then fights a target creature an opponent controls. In this interaction, each creature deals damage equal to its power to the other. This dual action makes Ancient Animus a flexible tool in the green mana pool, allowing players to remove threats or trade unfavorable matchups while simultaneously growing their own board presence. The flavor text, referencing Multani, adds a narrative layer to the card's mechanical impact, hinting at the ancient magic and resilience inherent in the Dominaria plane. For collectors, this card represents a key piece of the Dominaria block, which celebrated the original plane of Magic. As a common rarity, it is widely available but remains a staple for those who enjoy legendary-themed decks or need efficient, low-cost removal that also provides incremental advantage. The card's design and mechanics reflect the classic feel of the set, making it a familiar face in both casual and competitive environments. Whether used to secure a board advantage or simply to appreciate the lore of the plane, Ancient Animus serves its role effectively within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game ecosystem.