Progenitus — ruling 1

"Protection from everything" means the following: Progenitus can't be blocked, Progenitus can't be enchanted or equipped, Progenitus can't be the target of spells or abilities, and all damage that would be dealt to Progenitus is prevented.

Progenitus — ruling 2

Progenitus can still be affected by effects that don't target it or deal damage to it (such as Day of Judgment).

Progenitus : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Progenitus is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Protection from everything If Progenitus would be put into a graveyard from anywhere, reveal Progenitus and shuffle it into its owner's library instead.

Complete guide

Progenitus is the ultimate avatar of Alara, a massive Hydra that represents the soul of the plane itself. With its staggering casting cost and the rare 'protection from everything' keyword, it stands as one of the most difficult creatures to interact with in the entire game.

What Protection from Everything Means

Protection from everything is a keyword that follows the standard DEBT rules of protection. Progenitus cannot be Damaged by anything, Enchanted or Equipped by anything, Blocked by anything, or Targeted by anything. Because 'everything' includes all colors, types, and sources, it is effectively immune to most direct interaction.

The Shuffle Replacement Effect

Progenitus features a replacement effect that prevents it from ever hitting the graveyard. Unlike triggered abilities that go on the stack, this happens 'instead' of the graveyard move. If Progenitus would move to the graveyard from your hand, library, or the battlefield, you reveal it and shuffle it directly into your library.

Vulnerabilities and Limitations

Despite its name, protection does not mean Progenitus cannot be affected by spells. It can still be destroyed by 'board wipes' that do not target or deal damage. Additionally, while it cannot be blocked, it can still be sacrificed if an effect forces you to choose a creature to sacrifice, as that does not target the creature itself.

Interaction examples

Cascading into the Soul of the World

Apex Devastator

Step 1: You cast Apex Devastator, which triggers its four Cascade abilities. Step 2: During one of the Cascade resolutions, you exile cards until you hit Progenitus. Step 3: Since Progenitus costs 10 and Apex Devastator costs 10, Progenitus does not cost 'less' than the Devastator. You must put Progenitus on the bottom of your library with the other exiled cards rather than casting it for free.

Graveyard Shuffle Comparison

Kozilek, Butcher of Truth

Step 1: An effect causes you to discard both Progenitus and Kozilek, Butcher of Truth. Step 2: Progenitus uses a replacement effect; it is revealed and shuffled back immediately, never touching the graveyard. Step 3: Kozilek, Butcher of Truth uses a triggered ability; it enters the graveyard, the trigger goes on the stack, and then you shuffle your entire graveyard into your library. Progenitus is already in the library before Kozilek's shuffle begins.

Attacking Through Annihilator

Kozilek, Butcher of Truth

Step 1: Your opponent attacks you with Kozilek, Butcher of Truth, triggering Annihilator 4. Step 2: You must sacrifice four permanents. Even though Progenitus has protection from everything, you can still choose to sacrifice it. Protection only stops Targeting; it does not stop you from choosing Progenitus to satisfy a sacrifice requirement.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Progenitus

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1February 1, 2009· Wizards of the Coast
"Protection from everything" means the following: Progenitus can't be blocked, Progenitus can't be enchanted or equipped, Progenitus can't be the target of spells or abilities, and all damage that would be dealt to Progenitus is prevented.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2February 1, 2009· Wizards of the Coast
Progenitus can still be affected by effects that don't target it or deal damage to it (such as Day of Judgment).
No other card is named in this ruling.