Among the countless powerful cards in Magic: The Gathering,Eidolon of Countless Battlesstands out for its flexible mechanics and synergy with creature-heavy and aura-focused decks. This creature is part of the Theros block, a set known for its enchantment-themed gameplay. Eidolon of Countless Battles combines the mechanics of creatures and Auras, allowing players to adapt it based on their current battlefield situation. It’s a card that rewards board presence and strategic deployment, making it a valuable addition in formats like Commander, Standard (during its legality), and casual play.
Understanding the Basic Card Mechanics
Card Details
Eidolon of Countless Battles is a white creature card with the following characteristics:
- Mana Cost: 1WW
- Card Type: Enchantment Creature Spirit
- Power/Toughness: /
- Keywords: Bestow
The asterisked power and toughness signify that its stats are determined by its abilities, not fixed numbers. This makes understanding its dynamic power level critical for effective gameplay.
What Bestow Means
Bestow is a unique mechanic introduced in Theros. It allows a creature to be cast as an Aura spell instead of a regular creature. If the creature enchanted by the Aura dies or leaves the battlefield, the Bestow card enters the field as a creature again.
For Eidolon of Countless Battles:
- Bestow Cost: 2WW
- If you cast it for 2WW, it becomes an Aura enchanting a creature.
- If the enchanted creature dies, Eidolon becomes a creature with its own power/toughness on the battlefield.
How Its Power and Toughness Work
Eidolon of Countless Battles has a dynamic / stat line. Its power and toughness are each equal to the number of creatures you control plus the number of Auras you control. This means the more creatures and Auras on your side of the field, the stronger it becomes.
Examples of Stat Calculation
- If you control 3 creatures (including Eidolon) and 2 Auras, it becomes a 5/5.
- If it’s enchanting another creature and you have 4 other creatures plus 3 Auras on the field, it gives the enchanted creature +7/+7.
This flexible scaling makes Eidolon of Countless Battles particularly potent in token-based decks or enchantment-heavy builds. The card essentially becomes a huge threat in the late game when your battlefield is full.
Using Eidolon of Countless Battles Strategically
When to Cast as a Creature
You may want to cast Eidolon as a creature if you already have a stable board state with multiple creatures and Auras. Doing so gives you another attacker or blocker whose strength reflects your battlefield dominance.
When to Use Bestow
Bestow is especially useful when you want to strengthen a specific creature and avoid losing value if it dies. Since Eidolon will become a creature if the enchanted target leaves play, you don’t lose the card entirely. This makes Bestow a great way to apply pressure without overextending.
Board Synergy
Eidolon of Countless Battles benefits immensely from:
- Token generators: More creatures increase its stats.
- Cheap enchantments: Especially Auras that can stay on the field.
- Cards like Heliod, God of the SunorSigil of the Empty Thronethat create tokens or benefit from enchantments.
Interaction with Other Cards and Rules
Rules Regarding Bestow
When Eidolon is cast using Bestow and the target creature becomes invalid before the spell resolves (for instance, it dies in response), Eidolon simply enters the battlefield as a creature. It doesn’t go to the graveyard like a normal Aura would in that situation.
Removal Effects
When an Eidolon enchanting a creature is hit by removal that destroys or exiles it, it does not return to the battlefield as a creature it goes to the graveyard or exile like any normal card. However, if the enchanted creature dies while Eidolon is bestowing it, then Eidolon becomes a creature automatically.
Copying Eidolon
If another card copies Eidolon of Countless Battles, such as with Clone or Spark Double, the copy doesn’t retain the Bestow ability unless specifically stated. However, it will still have its / power and toughness based on the same formula.
Deck Types That Benefit From Eidolon
White Weenie and Aggro Decks
In aggressive white decks that aim to flood the board with small creatures, Eidolon becomes a cheap but powerful beater. Its stats increase with each creature you summon, making it a consistent threat.
Aura and Enchantment Decks
Decks that focus on enchantments naturally synergize with Eidolon. Cards like Ethereal Armor or Sphere of Safety benefit from a growing number of enchantments, just like Eidolon does. These decks aim to control the board while building up overwhelming power through stacking Auras.
Commander (EDH)
In Commander, Eidolon of Countless Battles fits well in enchantment-heavy or token-heavy decks. It’s a great inclusion in decks led by commanders like:
- Sigarda, Host of Herons protecting against sacrifice effects while running voltron-style enchantments
- Siona, Captain of the Pyleas who thrives on Aura synergy and token generation
- Tuvasa the Sunlit where each Aura benefits both Tuvasa and Eidolon
Strengths and Weaknesses
Advantages
- Versatile: Functions as both a creature and an Aura
- Scales well: Increases in strength as your board grows
- Efficient mana usage: Offers strong value for 3-4 mana
- Resilient Bestow: Doesn’t die with the enchanted creature
Disadvantages
- Relies on board state: Weak when played early with few creatures or Auras
- Vulnerable to exile and bounce: Removal spells like Swords to Plowshares or Unsummon deal with it easily
- Limited impact in control-heavy metas: Where your board may be constantly cleared
Tips for Playing Effectively
- Cast it using Bestow when your target is reasonably protected or when the tempo allows it
- Time its arrival don’t play it when you’re low on creatures or Auras unless absolutely necessary
- Protect it with spells like Emerge Unscathed or Swiftfoot Boots if possible
- Use cards that create enchantment tokens to maximize synergy
- Don’t be afraid to wait a turn or two to get more value out of its scaling stat line
Eidolon of Countless Battles is a dynamic card that offers significant value in the right deck. Whether cast as a creature or bestowed as an Aura, it brings versatility and raw power to the battlefield. Understanding how its power and toughness scale and when to use its Bestow mechanic will help players make the most of this spirit warrior. With strategic timing and synergy-focused deck building, Eidolon can turn even a modest board presence into an overwhelming force.