# 2023 Magic: The Gathering The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth #659

> The 2023 Magic: The Gathering card 'Gandalf's Sanction' from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. This foil uncommon features a powerful sorcery ability.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2023
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth
- **Card number**: #659
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Gandalf's Sanction is a distinctive sorcery card from Magic: The Gathering's 2023 The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth expansion, identified by card number 659 in the LTR set code. As an Uncommon rarity with a foil finish, this card appeals to collectors who appreciate the thematic depth of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth integrated into the MTG universe. The card's design and mechanics reflect the epic scale of the source material, offering a tangible connection to the lore for fans of both the game and the fantasy genre.

In gameplay, Gandalf's Sanction requires a mana cost of one generic, one blue, and one red mana, resulting in a mana value of three. It is a blue-red sorcery that allows players to deal damage to a target creature based on the number of instant and sorcery cards in their graveyard. Any excess damage beyond what is needed to destroy the creature is redirected to its controller, creating a dynamic strategic element that rewards graveyard management. This unique interaction makes the card a notable choice for decks focusing on spell density and board control.

The foil treatment adds a premium aesthetic to the card, enhancing its visual appeal for collectors who value finish variety. Artists like Tatiana Veryayskaya contribute to the rich visual storytelling of the LTR set, though the focus here remains on the card's identity and mechanical function. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering, particularly those building sets from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, Gandalf's Sanction represents a key piece of the expansion's narrative and mechanical diversity. Its combination of lore significance, unique gameplay mechanics, and foil finish makes it a sought-after item for completing collections or adding to a curated portfolio of fantasy-themed trading cards.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Gandalf's Sanction?

Gandalf's Sanction has a mana cost of {1}{U}{R}, totaling a mana value of 3. It requires one generic mana, one blue mana, and one red mana to cast.

### What does Gandalf's Sanction do in Magic: The Gathering?

This sorcery deals X damage to target creature, where X is the number of instant and sorcery cards in your graveyard. Any excess damage is dealt to that creature's controller instead.

### What set is Gandalf's Sanction from?

Gandalf's Sanction is card number 659 from the Magic: The Gathering set The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, released in 2023.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.