Grim Monolith + Tidespout Tyrant

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Overview

Tapping Grim Monolith for mana and casting a spell will cause Tidespout Tyrant’s “Whenever you cast a spell, return target permanent to its owner’s hand” ability to trigger. The trigger goes on the stack when the spell is cast; when that trigger resolves you may choose Grim Monolith as the target and return it to its owner’s hand. Grim Monolith does not automatically untap during the untap step (its intrinsic rule text), and when a permanent enters the battlefield it enters untapped unless a spell or ability says otherwise [110.6b] and artifact spells enter the battlefield when they resolve [301.2].

The StackRules & CitationsDetails & Edge Cases

Step 1

Start with Grim Monolith and Tidespout Tyrant on the battlefield under the same player’s control; Grim Monolith is untapped (permanent status) [110.6b].

Step 2

Activate Grim Monolith’s tap ability (: Add ) and get in your mana pool (this is the artifact’s activated ability being used).

Step 3

Cast a spell using mana (for example, an instant or sorcery). When you cast that spell, Tidespout Tyrant’s triggered ability (“Whenever you cast a spell…”) triggers and is placed on the stack.

Step 4

Players receive priority and the stack resolves in order. When the Tidespout Tyrant trigger resolves you choose a target permanent; you may choose Grim Monolith as the target and return it to its owner’s hand.

Step 5

If Grim Monolith is returned to hand, it is no longer a permanent on the battlefield; it becomes a card in hand. When an artifact later enters the battlefield (for example, if you cast Grim Monolith from your hand and it resolves) it enters untapped unless a spell or ability says otherwise [110.6b] and artifact spells enter the battlefield when they resolve [301.2].

Resolution

There is no hidden infinite loop from Grim Monolith + Tidespout Tyrant alone. You can tap Grim Monolith for mana and cast a spell; that casting will trigger Tidespout Tyrant, and that trigger can target and return Grim Monolith to its owner’s hand when it resolves. Grim Monolith’s rule “This artifact doesn't untap during your untap step” simply prevents it from untapping during the untap step; it does not change how it enters the battlefield (it enters untapped) [110.6b].