Iroas

Magic: The Gathering Theros

Iroas is the God of Victory on Theros. He is associated with white and red mana.

Iroas is the God of Victory on Theros. He is associated with white and red mana.

Description

Iroas is the god of honor and victory in war. He is thought to take the form of a centaur, though his lower half is that of a bull. He's armed like a Greek hoplite, wielding a dory spear in his right hand, and bearing a shield named Philomachos on his left arm. His shield has two crescent shapes missing from the sides, resembling a Boeotian shield rather than a hoplite's circular aspis. He governs both personal valor and bravery in battle, and thus he also governs warfare. He is twin to Mogis, the god of slaughter, who commands the dark and brutal side of war, and the two spar constantly. Iroas is worshipped mostly in Akros, and is its patron. He established the Iroan Games in that city's arena.

Inspiration

The character of Iroas is inspired by Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and War, and Nike, Goddess of Victory. He is also inspired by Chiron, an immortal centaur, and teacher of many heroes. His name was likely taken from the Modern Greek word ήρωας (íroas), meaning hero.