Cowed by Wisdom is a 2005 white aura enchantment from Magic: The Gathering's Saviors of Kamigawa expansion, card number 5.
Cowed by Wisdom
2005 • Magic: The Gathering • Saviors of Kamigawa
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.18 | Guide Estimate | +5.9% | ||
- $0.18
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- +5.9%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 11, 2026
Description
Cowed by Wisdom stands as one of the most recognizable white spells in Magic: The Gathering history, originating from the 2005 Saviors of Kamigawa expansion. As card number 5 in the set, this enchantment-aura has transcended its role as a simple tactical tool to become a cultural touchstone for the entire franchise. The card features art by Daren Bader and costs a single white mana to cast, making it an accessible yet powerful option for any deck strategy. Its design reflects the sleek, modern aesthetic that defined the Kamigawa block's visual identity during that era. The card’s effect is deceptively simple but strategically devastating. When attached to a creature, it prevents that creature from attacking or blocking unless its controller pays one extra mana for every card they hold in hand. This mechanic punishes players who are holding large hands, effectively neutralizing their threats while simultaneously discouraging the accumulation of resources. It serves as a potent form of temporary control, allowing the player to dictate the pace of the game without destroying the permanent themselves. For collectors, Cowed by Wisdom represents a piece of Magic: The Gathering nostalgia. It is frequently sought after by those building complete sets of Saviors of Kamigawa or by players looking to acquire classic staples for casual and competitive formats alike. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its clever design and the creative vision behind the Saviors of Kamigawa set. Whether used in gameplay or kept as a display piece, this card remains a significant entry in the Magic: The Gathering catalog.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Cowed by Wisdom
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Daren Bader
Card Stock
English
{W}
Enchantment — Aura
W
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Enchant creature Enchanted creature can't attack or block unless its controller pays {1} for each card in your hand.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cowed by Wisdom do in Magic: The Gathering?
It is a white aura enchantment that stops a creature from attacking or blocking unless its controller pays one mana for each card in their hand. This effect scales with the player's hand size, making it highly effective against decks that hold multiple cards.
Which Magic: The Gathering set is Cowed by Wisdom from?
Cowed by Wisdom is from the Saviors of Kamigawa expansion, released in 2005. It is the fifth card in the set and is classified as a common rarity.
Who illustrated Cowed by Wisdom?
The card features artwork by Daren Bader, whose style is well-known for its dynamic and detailed fantasy illustrations within the Magic: The Gathering universe.
Cards Named Cowed by Wisdom
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.





