Odric's Tragedy | The Greek Hero's Downfall

[@LinkEX]

I like how Rhystic Studies's analyses are so good, Wizards is paying him to explain their lore for them.

[@dagreen92]

They need it, for making vampire Odric so bad

[@Case2_0]

Accurate

[@carlostaffanelly418]

@@andrewhartnett5271 geedubs WISHES they had a Rhystic Studios...

[@Pistolsatsean]

What is Sam going to do when he has to explain how furbies make sense in the lore?

[@Krymsin-Zombie]

@@dagreen92 honestly it should have been sac a non creature token: creatures you control get one of Lunarch Marshall's keywords until end of turn.

[@Rukalin]

Finding out that Odric is still on the humans' side made me tear up in relief. Lunarch Marshall was the first legendary creature I've opened in a booster pack so he has a special place in my heart.

[@finnmchugh99]

Yeah cuz I thought it would've been another signature "Innistrad Gut Punch" (The term I use to describe whenever something happens in innistrad that targets the good guys in the story and makes things worse for them. e.g. Sorin unmaking Avacyn; Olivia swooping in and stopping the ritual at the last minute; the morbid fate of the two Angelic sisters; Sorin trapped in stone and abandoned; and many more) if he turned randomly evil because he became a vampire....I think this is more epic, he's a vampire and all they did was make him younger so he's more of a combatant against the forces of the night, to quote another vampire with these words of wisdom "You dun goofed!"

[@CustodialDaniel]

Jeez just got spoiled for the video and didn’t even click on the comments lmao

[@Rukalin]

@@CustodialDaniel Sorry about that, guess it was the comment preview on mobile?

[@CustodialDaniel]

@@Rukalin not your fault lol And yeah

[@11epicnoob]

My theory is that he is partially immune

[@vernaute2803]

They couldn't kill him off, they knew he'd look too badass as a vampire.

[@Wistbacka]

Looking at the new card, it feels like wizards knows they cant kill a fan favorite, but wizards have no love for the character. It must have taken the like 2 minutes to design the new card. Copy pasted half the text from Lunarch marshall and not given any thought to how backwards and insignificant such an ability is compared to his previous cards. New Odric is pretty much useless, something Odric should never be.

[@lukesdewhurst]

@@Wistbacka they did him no justice. Protection from vampires would have been such an awesome bit of flavour that wouldnt really have made the card better in anyway

[@XavierKaziTheZombie]

@@Wistbacka I mean they clearly WANTED to kill him off last set. He wanted to die after he saw Avacyn go mad, but Thalia wouldn't let him.

[@mufasafalldown8401]

If that didn't ignite his planeswalker spark nothing ever will 😔

[@bobbisbeticobislacco1731]

Magic's most foolish card is the friends we found along the way

[@ScottFreeSBP]

you mispelt Vizzerdrix

[@emieldehouwer4507]

Sam, I would love your take on the magic mana symbols. Their origin and change throughout the history of the game. For instance the swamp symbol used to have longer teeth. It kind of looked like a jellyfish if you compare it to the modern one. Or even how they offcenter the symbols inside their little grey circles now, giving it depth. All that stuff and much more, but told better by you :) Can't wait to see what masterpiece you created this time btw, but I wanted this comment out there fast. Cheers

[@NrgSpoon]

Cool idea, there would probably also be room to mention the Hybrid and Phyrexian mana symbols, and also potentially the change of the Tap symbol.

[@emieldehouwer4507]

@@NrgSpoon Absolutely! Though, knowing how meticulous Sam makes his videos, this would make for a 5-part series or more haha. Bring it on :)

[@YourPalJamieEllis]

Big bump to this idea, sounds great.

[@casketbase7750]

*Arvad the Cursed* was Magic’s trial run for the knight-turned-vampire. He lacks Odric’s pathos, but he does have this pithy exchange aboard the Weatherlight: “The others trust your sigils, but if you touch anyone I’ll personally gut you like a fish.” “That probably won’t kill me.”

[@cadenglass1387]

Now i need to make a deck with them as partners.

[@TheMightyBattleSquid]

It's a good thing their new typing is vampire because I don't think either card is ever going to see the light of day again.

[@AegisAuras]

That Odric’s sword still glows even with his religion collapsed and deity dead shows it’s power comes from a source that transcends Avacyn, that transcends religion itself, a deeper source that all white mana flows from. It just took him awhile to find that place inside himself again.

[@TheThunderbirdRising]

That should be flavor text

[@bigmanbossman]

its analyses like these that makes me love myself for being a white player

[@wesleyd5315]

Odric is a character whose depictions I've always loved. He's exactly the character I often try to play in Dungeons & Dragons.

[@jorgecardoso5863]

Damn, we got a Wizard's sponsorship bois Thats some progress

[@hajot2582]

"The sword of avacyn glowing brighter than ever before" what a line

[@TVMAN1997]

Light grows brighter when deep in darkness

[@ezmariel]

As a side note about the REM song, "Losing my Religion": The phrase "losing my religion" actually means "to be at the end of your rope" according to the artist

[@Cryonicity]

Odric was at the end of his rope indeed

[@krisdaschwab912]

Yes, but some people take it literally and that's okay. It's especially relevant in Poland as more and more people leave the corrupt church.

[@ezmariel]

I agree. It works both literally and figuratively, i just found it interesting is all

[@Chubles1]

I think you hit the nail right on the head with this one regarding Odric's transformation. Him staring at the moon is what really hit me, very close to the classic motifs like living to see the sunrise or more so "in the light of day we are reborn" etc but flipped; and I think so very impactful because it is, as the moon, gentle.

[@christina.morris]

As a classical studies major, I was hooked the moment you said hamartia. As for Odric, I do wish the card in Vow had a little more punch to it, but he's still cool enough that I'm not too sore about it. I'm a sucker for reversals of fortune and reversals of expectation, so that he hasn't turned to evil is just neat, to me.

[@ferdithetank7535]

Would've fit him more if he actually did turn evil, but then realized he still has good left in him and perform a cathartic(pun intended) action, redeeming himself in the process, possibly by sacrificing his life again. That would be more intresting than his almost immediate realization "Oh, I'am actually not a bad guy", which feels like a lazy writing decision, but could be justified with Odric's stalwart and stubborn character, that even the curse of vampirism didn't crush his resolve.

[@ferdithetank7535]

His card really sucks though, seems to be a terrible irony of being a vampire.

[@ianmoone2488]

I like how Odric filling his veins with holy water is what made him keep his mind and maintain control over himself

[@larrinho3077]

This video is good and all but it leaves me wondering: What is magic's most foolish card?

[@johnaych8954]

"I want a banana this big"

[@Quroe_]

Something goblin related?

[@frankthetank2550]

One of the bunny cards. Maybe one of the piranha cards

[@gabagool_03]

It would have to be something absurdly foolish, like a 6/6 for 7 mana

[@monochrome3003]

It's definitely Odric, Blood-Cursed.

[@LeonLassiter38062]

Odric was always one of my favorites characters, and i cannot express the sadness I felt when i found out he had been turned. Thank you for doing this video, he truly is a unappreciated character in MTG

[@ferdithetank7535]

Turned, but not broken. He has a great opportunity for redemption.

[@zombieslayer2016]

@@ferdithetank7535 I feel like if we were going for a pure redemption route they could have just had him die instead of being turned Honestly that felt less like the culmination of the tragic hero story and more kicking a man while he was down

[@fakename3168]

I like in the art it shows the flips of Avacyn’s symbol on his sword throughout the different stages of the story. when Odric is most similar to Avacyn the collar is faced the right direction but when he is opsonising her his sword has the collar upside down

[@obadijahparks]

Everything on Innistrad is a Gothic masterpiece. Tragic, or made ironic in sorrow.

[@pinkestplatypusontheplanet7161]

Hello Rhystic Studies! Although it doesn't really matter, I would point out that there is a slight mistake in the video. At 2:00 you call Nearheath a town, but according to Art of Innistrad, Nearheath is a region in Gavony consisting of the Videns, Wittal and Effalen parishes. Great video as always!

[@illusionist1872]

You see this? THIS IS HOW YOU BUILD CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM!

[@lucarioknightb7685]

I just hope he’s able to retain his humanity in the long run. If we went through all this, just to see him tearing life from the innocent next time he appears, it’ll be crushing.

[@halfpintrr]

I honestly don’t think they’ll do that. It seems like the story has recovered, and that includes characters.

[@mlgmantis]

Hi Mr. Study!

[@ravenmorigan.8172]

Thats professor Mr. study to you

[@TrilainaBloodwind]

I used to like Odric's character over the years, but MAN do I love him more now :D

[@charlieaydin1377]

Top notch. Glad wizards has finally decided to support you. You’ve enriched their game and world for so long with your amazing videos

[@lorenfarque1571]

The story hit me like a truck, the beats of it were so hard hitting I teared up several times. To hell with the playability of the card, this character has become much greater than a game piece. Your video was gorgeous, as always your analysis was moving as well. Another fantastic job!

[@dougrr4342]

i’ve been learning about greek tragedy for months in school but the way you tell this story gives it a whole new life, amazing video.

[@Pintyhet]

WotC sponsored?! You deserve it man.

[@marcoyan4609]

Every time you upload it's like a gentle reminder that sometimes I can just drop everything to enjoy what I love.

[@Hankathan]

I don't read any of the books, but I love the story! It's amazing how they can tell such complex stories through just a few hundred cards. When you're constantly discovering new parts of the story, and especially when you're playing with the pieces themselves, it feels like you are right there in the action. Magic the Gathering is a wonderful and unique storytelling medium, and I love it!

[@DJKalvin]

I loved this so much! I've had an Odric deck for like 4 years now, and even though it's my favorite out of the many I've built over the years, I never actually knew his backstory. I can't help but say that it's definitely given me a whole new appreciation for the card and the character himself. Really great story, and in absolutely excellent narration. Keep up the amazing work my friend.

[@thedaviday5838]

I was incredibly moved and inspired by this story when I read it, and this video just deepens my adoration of both the character and the writers telling his tale

[@Jaxx4]

I am honestly relieved Odric didn't become another Glissa situation. As always a very impressive and satisfying video.

[@Phoeveryoung]

what a coincidence, just finished rewatching all your vids for the 5th time yesterday

[@nathanhawkins8114]

Sam, you are by far my favorite content creator. The level of quality you put into every video is astounding. Thank you for all that you do, you're truly a gift to the Magic community.

[@TheZarevok]

Honestly the thing about Odric turning into a vampire that really hurts me, is that his card its so bad.

[@draphking]

Reminds me of Arvad the Cursed a Benalish Knight turned vampire who still upholds his knightly devotion despite hungering for blood

[@joepool2246]

Every one of these videos are relaxing, fascinating, professional, and hypnotizing. Always gotta watch when a Rhystic Studies video comes out.

[@jimmyshim4478]

Finally, Wizards of the coast is supporting this great channel.

[@Amphidsf]

Huh, reread The Blessing of Blood and then needed to look up Innistrad Vampires. Their reflections is how they would be in normal life as if they weren't ever a vampire, but Odric saw himself as a notably younger man with vampire features.

[@johannespaasche3365]

"You either Die a Hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villian." Truth spoken yet again, great video as always. The editing and Story telling on this channel are out of this world. Its incredible! So smoot and soothing no matter how devastating the story you tell and yet i always learn someting new while listening. Thank you!

[@RyeGuy4821]

This channel presents the blend of mtg and humanities elements with amazing narration/editing, for me without fail I am moved to tears. From Rhystic Studies it has solidified art as my favorite aspect of MTG.

[@fordesgol7947]

It always gets me in the end. Those goosebumps that you feel relieved and also pumped. Insane storytelling too. Top dude

[@UwURainUwU]

You videos are a blessing and a treasure. As always, thank you.

[@grahamoden8681]

His M13 deck and the Golgari Corpsejack Menace deck were my first two full decks of magic. I appreciate the complexity of his character I never knew until now! Way to go writers at Wizards and way to go Sam for crafting this eloquent video!

[@neebusjeebus9100]

the line about odric seeing his reflection in the sword may be refencing the fact that in a lot of vampire mythos, vampires do not have a reflection. him seeing a reflection symbolizes him still having his humanity

[@coltonhowton7654]

Odric was my first commander and still is my most powerful deck (go mono white). For the longest time I didn't know where he came from or where he fit in, but now, even more then before, he definitely holds a special place in my heart and my collection. Keep up the good work with these videos!

[@NCISfreak123]

This video was absolutely incredible and opened my eyes to how remarkable Odric's story is!

[@daniellim1350]

So many people (me included) were bummed and even upset about Odric turning into a vampire. So I really appreciate this analysis in the overall story. Really puts into prespective how good the Magic story can be and is!

[@gdiridium5525]

i loved his story as i read it, and I'd say the tragedy is heightened further by the fact that not only is his card woefully bad, it also does nothing to convey his tragic story,

[@Corrupted]

This.. was incredible

[@amberhernandez]

Odric was a central piece in one of my first ever commander decks, Zurgo Warriors. I really leaned in on the Warrior theme hard, but Odric was one of the few who made it through despite his typing. With such a heavy attack phase focus, he was perfect for me, and he won me more games than any other single card in the rest of my deck. It's no surprise he hard carried in my Anafenza Soldiers deck the following months :P

[@ambalennial3353]

A few weeks ago I was reading an article about Griffith's (from Kentaro Miura's Berserk) own Hamartia and now after watching this video-essay Im so compelled to read more about Greek Tragedy... So cool

[@nheimi99]

This channel is so poetic and perfect. Thank you for what you do.

[@Khyrberos]

Fantastic analysis as always. I particularly love how you always draw from such rich literary sources to explain things.

[@markerbenson]

Hearing you describe the environment and situation odric found himself in made me feel like you’d be an absolutely incredible dungeon master. Would be so cool to play a campaign written by you.

[@quinnjohnson3075]

Rhystic studies has officially won at life, getting sponsored by wizards of the coast, so cool.

[@timdornaus]

god the music in this and the last innistrad video is so magnificent

[@sethhale8828]

Bravo again my friend. Quality work as always. Very possibly the best MtG channel on KZbin

[@bububu__]

I can't believe how good this video is, you keep outdoing yourself

[@graemebloodworth8991]

Petition for Sam to be in charge of all future magic lore explainer videos. Absolutely top notch my dude.

[@mocapoable]

Love just randomly coming on to your page and finding new content

[@bAd12cheZ]

Odric, Sorin, Avacyn, Bruna&Gisela constant change in Innistrad. Only one thing remains constant, your non-creature spells cost (1) more to cast.

[@jaidendouglas-mendoza7586]

Wow thanks for the analysis you make it feel more real and help us to look at other stories with the knowledge that you provide.

[@marbleproxyshouseofzen7226]

The ending quote was icing on the cake. Amazing video

[@markthegriffin]

Odric! My boy! Was so sad to see that the vampires got him 😭 his Lunarch Marshal printing inspired my first EDH deck, human tribal of course. Im a biiig fan of tragic heroes even outside of MTG, so this was such a cool analysis of his story to see!!

[@winkelfilms]

I absolutely loved this. I would adore more character analyses, it's my favorite thing about magic

[@Spiethstar]

Great work Sam! When saw the VOW Odric card it did remind me of Blade. Now that idea seems like a plausible fate for Odric. Reaping through vampires using there own strenghts combined with the traits he keeps after the transformation.

[@pokeymaker6729]

The deck containing "Odric the Master Tactician" was my first set of MtG Cards I possessed, my very first cards that were just mine to look at and play with. I still love that card. Later on, I bought the "Krenko, Mob Boss" deck (from the same set), kindling my love for collecting TCGs again

[@damage_inc86425]

Another stellar video, this one really got me emotional. Bravo sir 🔥

[@sorexsum247]

Instant classic again dr.rhystic

[@Dragonroot95]

Absolutely lovely video, once again! Very excited to see more stories on Odric, and genuinely hoping Odric heralds a new sort of Innistradian vampire.

[@maelxmusic1613]

I never would have thought a story in magic could truly make me sad. This is a beautiful story.

[@naaibek]

Interesting that the flavor text on the OG Odric reads, "Fear holds no place in faith's battle plan." - and then Crimson Vow's tagline is "Fear what you become". Beautiful catharsis indeed. Your journey is complete, Odric.

[@AutkastKain]

Your retelling of this story is amazing. Thank you

[@zendikarisparkmage2938]

Thank you so much for covering this. When I learned that Odric had turned, I worried that he had lost he humanity and become a monster. I'm relieved to hear that that's not completely true. Here's hoping for an epic, Alucard-esque Odric.

[@austinhatfield]

two videos in a month? it must be my birthday. beautiful as always

[@neonsmith2802]

really nice video on Odric, been running him as a commander since inistrad :)

[@HStorm26]

I really like the way they use common tropes to really hold out that he there's still hope for him. We all know vampires don't have a reflection, for example, and using that small little detail to show he is still human is something I find really cool.

[@anthonydipretoro8205]

On Innistrad, vampires do have a reflection, but when reflected in silver-backed mirrors or moonlit running water, they appear as they would if they were mortal.

[@pokegirl302]

There was a small moment in the short story that I loved but was glossed over in Rhystic Studies' analysis. There was a child who was going to be used as the sacrifice that Thalia scooped up as Odric destroyed the ritual. Once he was done with the vampires Odric turned to Thalia who shielded the girl from him. Odric paused questioning if he had truly become such a monster that his dear friend was fearful of him. Which is when Thalia asked if Odric could see the moon. It was a small moment maybe a paragraph or two in the whole story, but that pause was our first clue that Odric hasn't fallen as far as he thought he did.

[@tongzaggo]

Thanks Sam for the recent surge of videos. Really enjoyed all of them 👍

[@lloydnoid6506]

Love Odric, I hope he gets another card from his Vampire form that isnt so... mechanically underwhelming.

[@edocor8081]

New rhystic studies video? Hell yeah

[@ThaZapa]

The biggest tragedy is his terrible and uninspired Vampire card.

[@Kaanfight]

Eh I’ve seen worse, I think it’s just the other two cards were much cooler and more interesting

[@logantodd5943]

@@Kaanfight it carried me in inistrad limited

[@anthonydelfino6171]

We've gotten too used to the resource creation and the payoff being stapled together on the same card. It's not a terrible card, just needs other pieces to make him good. There have been far, far worse cards created.

[@milessumida6770]

There's some ludo narrative dissonance there since it synergises much better with other vampires than with humans.

[@JohnDoe-vc5qb]

@@anthonydelfino6171 It's a terrible card because blood tokens are a terrible mechanic.

[@ReneeBeattle]

this video is a great start for every trader. thank you Michael for this opportunity

[@jaysalvadoriiisalvosa1625]

The narration at 6:30 feels so painful. Goddam good writing right there.

[@marinstoev4505]

This video makes me want to make an EDH deck with the new Odric. What a badass, truly a well written character. Subbed.

[@Krymsin-Zombie]

I cry not tears of sorrow because of what Odric had become, I cry tears of catharsis because his pain has stopped. Odric has been and will continue to be one of my favorite characters, not just mechanically in game but also in the grand narrative fabric of Magic

[@andrewfornes5320]

Master Tactician was my first EDH deck.. He has a special place in my heart... so sad what my boys have done to him.

[@joonasvareenmusiikki]

1:21 Dude. Spoilers.

[@EnclaveOfObsidian]

...this just makes the actual card they did of him even more infuriating! D: Regardless, excellent video Sam.

[@eightywight]

Agreed, a shameful waste of a character.

[@anthonydipretoro8205]

@@eightywight Waste of a character? We will see Odric again, doubly so after all the complaining.

[@thomasdesrosiers-dorval5158]

I wanna see more of this! Great video: amazing that it is sponsored by WotC

[@bobbiechristine]

Your work is simply unparalleled.

[@duncanwalla7014]

I got back from basic training and had 3 rystic studies videos. It’s a good life.

[@cronian2372]

I loved this analysis, please keep them coming!

[@jaysalvadoriiisalvosa1625]

Although I understand the salt associated with the new version of Odric (could still work with "artifact matters" strategies), this video essay gives more depth on our fallen hero's transformation. I really like it.

[@GregTom2]

I drafted yesterday and odric was my pack 1 rare. Didn't pick it up because a 3/3 for 3 with some upside isn't as good as removal. Then that pack went all around the table and on 9th pick, there he was again. Absolutely tragic. What did they do to you poor Odric.

[@captaintehe4501]

Very nice story. A good ending too. Leaves a lot to digest

[@fleetwheelmac6978]

Thanks for this one! Great video on a great character. I hope you'll do more of this type of content, analysing characters' journeys over several cards depicting them. BTW I always loved Odric's story and cards, but never thought he had so many fans out there. Not too many Vorthoses where I play. The new card seems rather 'meh 'crunch-wise, but it depicts such a key moment in his arc that I will get a copy anyway :P .

[@c0barsm]

Killer video as usual! Thank you so much for this video.

[@ExhaustedElox]

They did Odric so dirty with his story and his new card.

[@trunkulent]

What's wrong with the story?

[@clevestinson7996]

Beautiful work Sam. Thank you