Gaea's Cradle Urza's Saga Magic The Gathering Raw

Character: Legendary Land

Set: Urza's Saga

Card Number: 321

Rarity: Rare

Condition: Raw

Grade: N/A

Year: 1998

Illustrator: Mark Zug

Gaea's Cradle, from the Urza's Saga set in Magic: The Gathering, stands as one of the most iconic and powerful lands ever printed. This legendary land offers an unparalleled mana advantage, with its simple yet devastating ability: {T}: Add {G} for each creature you control. In decks that swarm the battlefield with creatures—especially Elf or token strategies—Gaea's Cradle transforms from a mere land into a mana engine capable of generating overwhelming advantage in a single turn. Its synergy with creature-based ramp and token generators makes it a cornerstone in formats like Legacy, Vintage, and Commander, where explosive plays define the metagame.

Originally released in 1998 and illustrated by Mark Zug, Gaea's Cradle carries a deep lore connection to the plane of Argoth, with its flavor text hinting at both creation and destruction: "Here sprouted the first seedling of Argoth. Here the last tree will fall." —Gamelen, Citanul elder. This poetic weight, combined with its mechanical dominance, has cemented its status as a fan favorite and a highly sought-after collectible. Due to its power level, it is banned or restricted in several competitive formats, a testament to its game-warping potential.

As a rare card on the Reserved List, Gaea's Cradle is not eligible for reprints, contributing to its high market value and scarcity. Cards in Near Mint condition routinely command prices well over $800, making it one of the most valuable Magic: The Gathering singles. Whether you're acquiring it for gameplay, collection, or investment, Gaea's Cradle represents a piece of Magic history—a symbol of both the game's strategic depth and its enduring legacy.

• Card Type:Legendary Land
• Flavor:“Here sprouted the first seedling of Argoth. Here the last tree will fall.”
  —Gamelen, Citanul elder