Magic: The
Gathering Set Spotlight: Shards of Alara

Release Date: October 03, 2008

Introduction to Shards of Alara

‘Shards of Alara’ is a captivating expansion set within the world of
Magic: The Gathering. Released in October 03 2008, it marked the
forty-seventh expansion set and introduced players to the plane of
Alara, a world fractured into five shards, each representing a unique
combination of colors of mana.

The Fragmented Realms of Alara

Shards of Alara takes players to the plane of Alara, a world torn
apart into five shards, each with its own distinct characteristics. The
set explores themes of conflict, convergence, and the pursuit of
balance.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

Shards of Alara introduced several mechanics and themes that set it
apart:

• Multicolored Shards: The set is structured
  around five distinct shards, each representing a unique combination of
  two colors of mana, fostering diverse deck archetypes.
• Exalted: Shards of Alara introduced the
  ‘exalted’ mechanic, which encouraged players to attack with a single
  powerful creature, promoting strategic combat decisions.
• Bant, Esper, Grixis, Jund, and Naya: Each shard
  in Alara has its own identity, mechanics, and creatures, reflecting the
  plane’s fractured nature and the diversity of gameplay
  experiences.

Notable Cards from Shards of Alara

Shards of Alara features several cards with distinctive abilities and
connections to the theme of fractured worlds and multicolored magic.
Some of the most notable include:

• Sphinx’s Revelation: A multicolored instant that
  combines card draw with life gain, exemplifying the convergence of
  abilities in the set.
• Progenitus: A legendary creature representing
  the ultimate fusion of all five colors, challenging players to wield its
  immense power.
• Maelstrom Pulse: A versatile multicolored
  sorcery that can remove multiple threats from the battlefield,
  showcasing the power of multicolored spells.

The Shards of Alara Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for Shards of Alara features a stylized
five-pointed star, symbolizing the five shards of the fractured
world.

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

Shards of Alara had a limited print run, contributing to the
collectible value of its cards. The cards from this set are recognized
by their distinctive black border, setting them apart from other Magic
sets.

Historical Significance

Shards of Alara is historically significant for its introduction of
multicolored shards, its exploration of the ‘exalted’ mechanic, and its
depiction of a world torn apart and in search of balance. It’s
celebrated for its diverse gameplay and unique world-building.

As with all Magic cards, the value of cards from Shards of Alara can
fluctuate over time due to collector demand and format legality. To stay
updated on Shards of Alara and its cards, we recommend checking Magic:
The Gathering websites, consulting with local card shops, and connecting
with fellow collectors.