Xathrid Demon

Description

The Xathrid Demon stands as one of the most recognizable threats in the Magic: The Gathering M10 core set, delivering immediate board presence with its formidable 7/7 power and toughness. As a Mythic Rare creature, this card offers a significant gameplay advantage, demanding attention from opponents the moment it enters the battlefield. The foil treatment adds a layer of visual distinction, making it a desirable addition for collectors who appreciate the aesthetic quality of rare cards from this era. Functionally, the Xathrid Demon is a powerhouse that rewards aggressive play. With the Flying and Trample keywords, it can bypass early defenses and deal direct damage to players. Its most distinctive ability triggers at the beginning of your upkeep, allowing you to sacrifice another creature to deal life loss to each opponent equal to that creature's power. This mechanic encourages players to build a graveyard or board state that can be leveraged for devastating swings. If you cannot sacrifice a creature, the card still poses a threat by tapping itself, though at the cost of 7 life, highlighting the high-risk, high-reward nature of this demon. Collectors value the Xathrid Demon not just for its mechanical strength, but for its representation of the M10 era, a pivotal moment in Magic history that standardized many core game concepts. The card number 122 in the M10 set places it firmly within the creature-heavy section, where powerful demons and artifacts define the meta. Whether you are building a black-focused deck or simply appreciating the art and design of Wayne Reynolds, this card remains a staple in the collector's mind. ## What is the Xathrid Demon's mana cost? The Xathrid Demon requires five black mana to cast, specifically three generic mana and two black mana symbols, totaling a mana value of 6. ## How does the Xathrid Demon's upkeep ability work? At the beginning of your upkeep, you must sacrifice a creature other than the Xathrid Demon. Each opponent then loses life equal to that sacrificed creature's power. If you cannot sacrifice a creature, you must tap the Xathrid Demon and lose 7 life instead. ## Why is the Xathrid Demon considered a Mythic Rare? Mythic Rare is a rarity tier introduced in Magic: The Gathering to denote cards with significant impact or unique design. The Xathrid Demon was released as a Mythic Rare in the M10 set, indicating its high power level and desirability among players and collectors.