Magic: The Gathering is more than a game. Even in its earliest days, Magic told stories in the Multiverse, where planeswalkers traveled among the worlds and fought for and against creatures and armies of all kinds. In the modern era of the game, a handful of planewalkers have become staples of the lore. That includes Gideon Jura, a hieromancer planeswalker.
Gideon was born on the world of Theros, ruled by a pantheon of gods who resided in the world of Nyx. Born as Kytheon Iora, Gideon was a powerful soldier on his home plane, but his adventures would soon expand dramatically in scope, and he would experience both triumph and tragedy -- and even sacrifice. Five events in particular helped shape his quest.
When Gideon's Planeswalker Spark Activated
Kytheon Iora was a gifted boy born in the city-state of Akros. He formed a gang of soldiers known as the Irregulars, ready to fight the monsters of this world with strength and glory to guide them. At some point, Kytheon and his fellows were tasked with defending the Kolophon keep against a horde of minotaurs and other monsters when the sun god Heliod himself chose Kytheon as a champion.
Kytheon wielded Heliod's spear to slay his enemies, but in his hubris, he also tried to destroy the god of the underworld, Erebos. Erebos easily deflected the spear, which massacred all of Kytheon's allies. Distressed, Kytheon found himself planeswalking away to the world of Bant, a shard of Alara. He would assume the name Gideon Jura and begin his humble quest of saving innocent lives at the risk of his own.
When Gideon Traveled With Chandra
At some point, Gideon was stationed on the plane of Regatha, working for the Order of Heliud, which was charged with protecting the Purifying Fire itself. Gideon was sent to capture and deal with the rogue pyromancer Chandra Nalaar, but the two of them soon became allies and friends rather than enemies, and they had their own adventure together. The two ended up on the dark plane of Diraden, ruled only by black mana, and Gideon endured great torture to keep Chandra safe.
As repayment, Chandra broke free of her captors and rescued Gideon, using the last of her strength to bring them both back to Regatha. Chandra passed through the Purifying Fire without regrets as Gideon suggested, and she proved herself in the process. She also argued that the Order of Heliud was cruel and oppressive, and that Gideon shouldn't work for such people. Gideon took those words to heart, and he broke ties with the Order.
When Gideon Helped Create the Gatewatch
Sometime later, Gideon ended up on the wild world of Zendikar, which was secretly the prison home of the fearsome, alien Eldrazi race. The Eldrazi broke free, and Nissa Revane, Chandra Nalaar, Sorin Markov and Gideon all fought against these all-consuming titans. Gideon became a hero of Zendikar's united champions, inspiring them with his combat prowess and indomitable spirit alike. Gideon was an effective tactical leader, but still, the Eldrazi gained ground, and they destroyed Sea Gate.
Gideon and his allies created a formal team of planeswalkers known as the Gatewatch, and Gideon and his fellows were able to turn the tables on the Eldrazi. Gideon kept them busy while Jace and Nissa prepared Zendikar's leylines for a massive spell. Then, Chandra and Nissa poured their magic into it and destroyed Ulamog and Kozilek for good. Satisfied, the Gatewatch planeswalkers left Zendikar and defeated Emrakul on the shadowy world of Innistrad. But another battle was to follow against a different enemy.
When Gideon Helped Save the Day on Kaladesh
By this time, Chandra had to face her past on the plane of Kaladesh, confronting the oppressive Consulate and her father's killers. Nissa Revane came along, but both planeswalkers were soon captured. Gideon led his allies to help. He and Jace helped free Nissa and Chandra, and along the way, Gideon wisely recruited Ajani Goldmane to the Gatewatch. The five planeswalkers challenged the Consulate and won.
Gideon also faced off against Tezzeret, a scheming planeswalker with an affinity for blue mana and artifice. Gideon and his allies destroyed the interplanar bridge that Tezzeret had built under Nicol Bolas' orders. Then, Gideon and his fellows journeyed to Amonkhet to face Bolas directly. Unfortunately, they all faced defeat, so Gideon and the rest had to face Bolas again, this time on the city-plane of Ravnica.
When Gideon Gave His Life For Victory
Nicol Bolas' army of Eternal warriors, the Dreadhorde, was sweeping the city and attacking all planeswalkers and guild members in sight, and the Immortal Sun (from Ixalan) was trapping all planeswalkers there. Tezzeret was using the interplanar bridge in his own body to allow the Eternals safe passage, and Gideon fought back. He rallied Ravnica's defenders and coordinated their efforts with a brilliant battle plan. He even rode atop Rakdos, the demon who led the Cult of Rakdos guild, to deliver a mighty blow on Nicol Bolas personally.
Liliana Vess, meanwhile, nearly lost her life to her pact with Bolas, so Gideon took that pact's penalty upon himself to save Liliana. Bolas was defeated, dragged off to his own plane and imprisoned there, and the deceased Gideon went to Theros' afterlife, reunited with his Irregulars friends at last.