Elesh Norn

Elesh Norn is the Praetor of the white faction of New Phyrexia.

History
The white-aligned faction of Phyrexia, led by Elesh Norn, believes that Phyrexia must adhere to the teachings of the Father of Machines. They intend to indoctrinate everyone about the truth, even if it means tearing them limb from limb and reattaching the parts into a creation that is worthy of Phyrexia. They are dogmatic, hierarchical, and orthodox in their methods.

Norn appears on the surface to be delirious to some extent, and her religious fanaticism has been interpreted as her being blind to the machinations of the other praetors. She is actually a highly manipulative individual, subtly influencing her own faction to suit her desires. She has even attempted to bring Karn to the surface to protect him from Jin-Gitaxias.

During the final battle in which the Phyrexians officially conquered Mirrodin, a Mirran angel named Atraxa was captured. Elesh Norn was impressed by Atraxa's tenacity and "rewarded" her with compleation, a process by which organic beings are converted into Phyrexians. Elesh Norn's intent was for Atraxa to become the "praetors‘ voice", a symbol of Phyrexia's unity. Elesh Norn invited the other praetors to contribute, with only Urabrask declining. Atraxa's creation marked the final victory of Phyrexia over Mirrodin.

Eventually, Elesh Norn gained the upper hand in New Phyrexia, slaughtering Sheoldred's and Urabrask's forces, and becoming the dominant praetor. She was able to manipulate Vorinclex easily as he is the least ambitious of the praetors.

Trivia

 * The Judge Gift card of Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite uses Phyrexian scripture instead of normal English text.
 * Traditionally, a Cenobite is a member of a monastic community. However, the Cenobites are an extra-dimensional race that appear in the works of Clive Barker - notably featuring flaying as part of its mythos. Elesh Norn's title ends up being a play on both, being a religious leader whose dogma is related to the removal of flesh or skin.
 * The Norns in Norse mythology are female beings who rule the destiny of gods and men.