Permafrost Trap

Permafrost Trap was released in 2010 as part of the Worldwake expansion for Magic: The Gathering. The set introduced the landfall mechanic and centered on the struggle for control of the plane of Zendikar, a world defined by its volatile, shifting terrain. This card was designed as a thematic 'trap' instant, intended to give players a defensive tool that could be cast for a reduced cost if an opponent fulfilled specific conditions, reflecting the treacherous nature of the Zendikar environment.

The artwork was commissioned from illustrator Howard Lyon, whose painterly style brought a sense of physical weight and urgency to the frozen imagery. Lyon sought to depict the sudden, magical solidification of the landscape, capturing the moment of entrapment with a focus on cold, crystalline textures. The card was well-received by players for its tactical utility in limited formats, cementing its place as a reliable piece of white mana removal in the context of the era's competitive play.