Breath of Life

Breath of Life was released in 1998 as part of the Portal Second Age set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed as an entry-level product, the set aimed to introduce new players to the game through simplified mechanics and thematic, accessible artwork. It followed the initial Portal set by introducing a higher power level and more traditional fantasy tropes to help bridge the gap between starter products and the standard expansion cycles of the era.

The card features an illustration by Brian Snoddy, whose work is characterized by a high-contrast, atmospheric style that was emblematic of the game's early visual identity. As a reanimation spell, the card was designed to allow players to return creatures from the graveyard to the battlefield, a functional reprint of the classic white-aligned resurrection effects common in early Magic. It was well-regarded among beginners for its clear utility and the strong emotional resonance of its name and art.