Zareth San, the Trickster

Zareth San, the Trickster was introduced in the 2020 Magic: The Gathering set Zendikar Rising as a legendary creature representing the Merfolk race native to the plane of Zendikar. The set was designed to evoke the high-adventure themes of the original Zendikar block, emphasizing exploration and the perilous landscape. Zareth San is specifically tied to the Rogue archetype prevalent in the set, utilizing a discard-and-reanimation mechanic that reflects the character's thematic role as a cunning thief capable of stealing resources from an opponent's library or graveyard.

The card's illustration was created by artist Yongjae Choi, who rendered the Trickster with a distinctively sharp, agile aesthetic consistent with the art direction for Zendikar's Merfolk characters. By balancing the creature's high mana cost with its powerful ability to ambush opponents, the design team aimed to provide a centerpiece for players focusing on blue-black Rogue strategies. Upon release, it was received as a flavorful, mid-power legendary creature that served as a compelling inclusion for players interested in unconventional combat interactions within the Commander format.