The 1997 Fifth Edition Magic: The Gathering card Sea Serpent (#118) is a blue creature with unique Island dependency mechanics.
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Fifth Edition
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.12 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 13, 2026
The Sea Serpent (Card #118) from the 1997 Fifth Edition expansion is a defining blue creature in Magic: The Gathering. Designed by Ian Miller, this common card represents a distinct era of gameplay where mana efficiency and resource management were critical. As a six-mana 5/5 Creature — Serpent, it commands the board but requires careful strategic planning to deploy effectively. The card’s most notable feature is its unique restriction tied to the Island basic land type. It cannot attack unless the defending player controls an Island, and you must sacrifice it if you control no Islands at the end of your turn. This design creates a dynamic interplay between offense and defense, rewarding players who build decks with a balanced mana base. The flavor text adds a touch of whimsy to the creature’s lore, hinting at a world where even legendary beasts have evolved over time. Fifth Edition remains one of the most significant sets in the game’s history, serving as a foundational product for new and returning players. Collectors often seek out specific cards from this set to complete their collections or to appreciate the classic design aesthetic of the late 1990s. The Sea Serpent, with its straightforward yet impactful rules text, is a memorable piece of this legacy., collectors can explore a diverse selection of Magic: The Gathering cards, including classic staples like the Sea Serpent. This card remains a popular choice for those who enjoy the strategic depth and historical significance of early Magic expansions.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Sea Serpent
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Ian Miller
Card Stock
English
{5}{U}
Creature — Serpent
5 / 5
U
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
This creature can't attack unless defending player controls an Island. When you control no Islands, sacrifice this creature.
Legend has it that serpents used to be bigger, but how could that be?
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