Mara, the Nightmare Rider

The myth

The mara is a spirit of Norse folklore who sits on the chests of sleepers and brings bad dreams; the English word nightmare and the Norwegian mareritt, the mara's ride, come from her. The oldest story is in Snorri's Ynglinga saga: the Swedish king Vanlandi promised to return to his wife in Finland and never did. She paid a sorceress, who sent a mara. When the king fell asleep, the mara trampled and smothered him to death. Later folklore says the mara also rode horses through the night.

Why it has this power

A level 4 Common with ATK 1400 and DEF 1100: she strikes when her victim is defenseless. A Wind Undead, light as the night air, under Feather and Scarab. A good early attacker, and a useful piece for decks built around the Undead.

Did you know

In parts of Scandinavia, horses found sweaty with tangled manes in the morning were said to have been ridden by the mara.

Connections

• In Ingrid Icehunter's deck
• In Thorvald Blackkeel's deck
• In Halvard the Grey Raven's deck

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0% per pack (Common 64% per card)
• Welcome Pack: 0.97% per pack (Common 70% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.88% per pack · 5.2% in the themed pack (Common 64% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.86% per pack · 5.1% in the themed pack (Common 62% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 0.67% per pack · 4% in the themed pack (Common 49% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 0.46% per pack · 2.7% in the themed pack (Common 33% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 0.69% of days · 150 gold
• Craft with card dust: 40 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. Heimskringla: The Ynglinga Saga — Samuel Laing (trad./trans.)