The Helm of the Ghastlord, card number 166 from Magic: The Gathering's Shadowmoor set. This blue and black Aura enchantment offers flexible gameplay options for collectors and players.
2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shadowmoor
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$12.51 | Guide Estimate | -12.1% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 11, 2026
The Helm of the Ghastlord is a distinctive blue and black Enchantment — Aura from Magic: The Gathering's Shadowmoor set, released in 2008. As card number 166, it holds a specific place in the collector's journey through this complex block of expansions. This product appeals to those interested in the strategic depth of Magic: The Gathering and the unique design language of the Shadowmoor era. From a gameplay perspective, the card's versatility is its defining feature. It allows the player to adapt their strategy based on the color of the creature it enchants. If the target is blue, the creature gains a +1/+1 power and toughness boost along with a card-drawing ability whenever it deals damage. Conversely, if the target is black, it receives the same stat boost but triggers an effect that forces the damaged opponent to discard a card. This dual nature makes it a fascinating subject for collectors who appreciate mechanical innovation and color identity. Franz Vohwinkel brought this card to life, contributing to the visual narrative of the Shadowmoor set. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering, understanding the role of cards like the Helm of the Ghastlord provides insight into the game's evolving mechanics. Whether you are building a collection of rare artifacts or exploring the history of Aura enchantments, this card represents a key piece of the Shadowmoor puzzle. It serves as a tangible connection to the strategic discussions and deck-building experiments that defined that period of the game. Collectors often seek out cards from this set to complete their library or to study the evolution of mana costs and color pie balance. The Helm of the Ghastlord, with its four mana value and complex conditional effects, stands as a testament to the intricate design work that Magic: The Gathering is known for. It remains a relevant topic for discussions on card design and the interplay between blue and black mana pools.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Helm of the Ghastlord
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Franz Vohwinkel
Card Stock
English
{3}{U/B}
Enchantment — Aura
B, U
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Enchant creature As long as enchanted creature is blue, it gets +1/+1 and has "Whenever this creature deals damage to an opponent, draw a card." As long as enchanted creature is black, it gets +1/+1 and has "Whenever this creature deals damage to an opponent, that player discards a card."
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