# 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shards of Alara #55

> The Shards of Alara Sharding Sphinx is a foil Rare artifact creature from Magic: The Gathering's 2008 Shards of Alara expansion, numbered 55.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2008
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Shards of Alara
- **Card number**: #55
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Shards of Alara Sharding Sphinx stands as a significant artifact creature within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Released in 2008 as part of the Shards of Alara expansion, this card carries the number 55 in the set and features a foil finish that distinguishes it from the standard rarity print run. As a Rare card, it holds a specific place in the collector hierarchy, appealing to those who seek out high-quality finishes from this pivotal era of the game.

Designed by Michael Bruinsma, the Sharding Sphinx serves as a blue Artifact Creature — Sphinx with a mana cost of four generic mana and two blue mana. Its six mana value makes it a substantial investment for any deck, but its abilities offer strategic depth. The card possesses the Flying keyword, allowing it to bypass ground defenses. More importantly, it features a triggered ability: whenever an artifact creature you control deals combat damage to a player, you may create a 1/1 blue Thopter artifact creature token with flying. This mechanic synergizes strongly with artifact-heavy strategies, rewarding players for building a board presence.

Collectors often gravitate toward Shards of Alara for its unique world-building and complex multicolor mechanics. The Sharding Sphinx represents the blue shard of Alara, embodying the intellect and mechanical precision of that faction. While the flavor text hints at the propagation of life through mechanical or biological means, the card itself is a functional tool for competitive and casual play alike. Its foil treatment adds visual appeal, making it a desirable addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection. Whether you are completing the Shards of Alara set or looking for a powerful artifact synergist, this card remains a staple of the format's history.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Sharding Sphinx?

Sharding Sphinx has a mana cost of four generic mana and two blue mana, totaling six mana. As a blue Artifact Creature — Sphinx, it requires specific color resources to cast.

### What ability does Sharding Sphinx have?

The card has Flying and a triggered ability. Whenever an artifact creature you control deals combat damage to a player, you may create a 1/1 blue Thopter artifact creature token with flying.

### Who illustrated Sharding Sphinx?

The artwork for Sharding Sphinx was created by Michael Bruinsma. His illustration is featured on the foil Rare version of the card from the 2008 Shards of Alara set.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.