The Time Elemental from Magic: The Gathering's 1997 Fifth Edition is a rare blue creature prized for its unique combat sacrifice mechanic and board-sweeping utility.
Time Elemental
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Fifth Edition
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Description
Released in 1997 as part of the iconic Fifth Edition, the Time Elemental stands as a distinctive piece of Magic: The Gathering history. This rare blue creature, bearing card number 129, offers a unique mechanical twist that has fascinated TCG enthusiasts for decades. Unlike standard attackers, this card requires the player to sacrifice it at the end of combat, dealing 5 damage to themselves. While this self-inflicted cost makes it a risky offensive tool, its true value lies in its ability to return target permanents to their owner's hand, providing significant strategic control. For collectors, this card represents a pivotal era in trading card game design, where complex interactions were introduced to challenge players. Whether you are hunting to complete the Fifth Edition checklist or seeking a card with a compelling flavor, this release delivers both aesthetic and mechanical depth. The Time Elemental remains a recognizable figure among fans of the game, symbolizing the strategic depth that defines Magic: The Gathering. It serves as a testament to the innovative design philosophy of the late 1990s, offering collectors a tangible link to the game’s foundational years.
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Card Details
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Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Time Elemental
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Amy Weber
Card Stock
English
{2}{U}
Creature — Elemental
0 / 2
U
Card Text
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When this creature attacks or blocks, at end of combat, sacrifice it and it deals 5 damage to you. {2}{U}{U}, {T}: Return target permanent that isn't enchanted to its owner's hand.