Zirilan Of The Claw
Zirilan of the Claw is a name that resonates with players of Magic: The Gathering, especially those drawn to the primal power and ancient majesty of dragons. This legendary creature first appeared in the Visions set, released in 1997, and quickly became a favorite for players who love red mana and its fiery creatures. As a Dragon summoner with unique mechanics, Zirilan offers a flavorful and explosive playstyle that embodies the chaos and strength of red-aligned magic. While he is not the most competitive option in modern formats, his place in EDH and casual formats has kept him alive in the hearts of dedicated fans.
Who Is Zirilan of the Claw?
Card Overview
Zirilan of the Claw is a legendary creature card in Magic: The Gathering with a very distinct ability: the power to search your library for a Dragon card and put it into play temporarily. His casting cost, abilities, and strategic implications make him a centerpiece of Dragon-themed decks, particularly in Commander (EDH).
- Mana Cost: 3RR
- Power/Toughness: 3/4
- Card Type: Legendary Creature – Human Shaman
- Ability: Pay {1}{R}{R}, tap Zirilan, and search your library for a Dragon card. Put it onto the battlefield, it gains haste, exile it at the beginning of the next end step.
This mechanic essentially acts like a one-turn summoning of any Dragon from your deck. That can mean enormous burst damage or utility depending on the dragon you summon.
Visions Set and Historical Context
When Zirilan debuted in Visions, Magic: The Gathering was still expanding its narrative universe and mechanical complexity. At the time, having such a targeted tutor for creature types was rare and powerful. Zirilan offered red something it often lacks card selection and direct access to specific cards. His arrival also encouraged players to build more tribal-themed decks centered on dragons, which have remained a beloved creature type across MTG’s entire history.
Why Zirilan Is a Fan Favorite
Flavor and Identity
One reason Zirilan of the Claw remains so beloved is his strong flavor identity. He isn’t just a generic summoner he’s a Dragoncaller, a conduit through which ancient draconic power is unleashed for one brief, devastating moment. The idea of summoning mighty dragons only to watch them vanish adds a narrative thrill to the gameplay, simulating an all-out assault with mythical beasts that answer only to him.
Commander Decks and EDH Popularity
In Commander, Zirilan has found new life. His ability to cheat dragons into play for short bursts is perfect for a format that loves dramatic plays and tribal synergies. Many players build Zirilan EDH decks loaded with powerful dragons that have high mana costs and devastating effects when they enter or attack.
- Notable dragon targets: Hellkite Tyrant, Balefire Dragon, Terror of the Peaks, Dragon Tyrant
- Support cards: Sundial of the Infinite (to prevent exile), Lightning Greaves (to protect Zirilan), Strionic Resonator (to double the trigger)
- Mana ramp: Cards like Mana Geyser and Seething Song help pay for expensive activations and dragons
Build Strategy and Deck Archetypes
Building around Zirilan means focusing on synergy with dragons and the ability to abuse his tutor mechanic. Since the summoned dragon is exiled at end step, the goal is often to win quickly, combo around that exile, or use enters-the-battlefield (ETB) triggers to gain maximum value before the dragon leaves.
Strategic Advantages
Dragon Toolbox Approach
One of the best ways to build around Zirilan is using the toolbox strategy. You include a wide variety of dragons, each serving different functions removal, card draw, damage, disruption. Zirilan gives you access to the exact tool you need at the right moment. It’s a flexible approach that rewards deckbuilding knowledge and timing.
Combo Potential
Some decks use Zirilan in combination with cards that can break or bend the rules. For instance, usingSundial of the Infiniteto end the turn immediately after the dragon enters play lets you skip the exile trigger. This way, your summoned dragon stays permanently. These combos make Zirilan more than just a flashy tutor he becomes a doorway to long-term value or infinite loops in certain builds.
Surprise Factor
Because Zirilan can fetch any dragon from the deck, opponents rarely know what to expect. You could summon a flying finisher, a utility dragon that destroys artifacts, or a beast that wipes the board. This unpredictability gives you psychological and tactical advantages, especially in multiplayer settings.
Weaknesses and Limitations
Timing Constraints
The biggest drawback to Zirilan’s ability is the temporary nature of the summoned creature. Unless you find a way to keep the dragon on the battlefield, you only get one turn. This makes him better suited to aggressive or combo-heavy strategies rather than control decks.
High Dependency on Zirilan
Because the deck revolves around Zirilan, losing him to removal can severely slow your game plan. That’s why protection spells, lightning-fast activation, and ways to re-cast him from the command zone are essential in EDH formats.
Mana Intensive
Activating Zirilan and casting support spells in the same turn can be costly. His ability requires three mana plus his own summoning cost, so early-game plays are minimal. Mana ramp and acceleration become critical to keep the pressure on your opponents.
Zirilan in the Lore
Unexplored but Intriguing
Unlike some legendary creatures with rich backstories, Zirilan doesn’t have much official lore in the broader Magic universe. He remains a mysterious figure possibly a lone shaman or a forgotten dragon cultist whose power to summon dragons hints at deep ancient magic. This open-ended nature allows players to imagine their own stories for him, adding to his appeal.
Art and Flavor Text
The original card art, depicting a red-robed figure raising a clawed hand, reinforces the mysticism of dragon-calling. While his flavor text is minimal, it supports the theme of sudden, overwhelming power used for brief moments of dominance.
Why Zirilan of the Claw Still Matters
A Cult Classic in Red Decks
Zirilan may not dominate tournaments or headline new sets, but he continues to matter because of his unique flavor, his niche strategies, and his impact on how players think about tribal decks. In the right hands, Zirilan unleashes pure excitement on the battlefield turning a deck into a fire-breathing machine of tactical choices and unforgettable plays.
Legacy in Magic Culture
Players who started in the late ’90s remember Zirilan as one of the first cards that felt both thematic and mechanically exciting. He continues to inspire deck builders, especially those who enjoy red’s chaotic energy and the raw power of dragons.
Zirilan of the Claw remains a legendary figure in more ways than one. He captures the imagination of players with his singular ability to summon dragons straight from the deck, wielding them like fiery comets that strike and vanish. While limited by mechanics and timing, he offers a rewarding and flavorful deck-building experience, especially in Commander. Whether you’re a longtime MTG fan or just exploring dragon tribal strategies, Zirilan is a reminder of how Magic continues to blend narrative, power, and creativity into every card.