# 2023 Magic: The Gathering The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth #556

> Sam's Desperate Rescue, a 2023 foil Magic: The Gathering card from the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set. This black sorcery offers strategic graveyard recursion.

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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**: #556
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Sam's Desperate Rescue stands out in the 2023 Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth expansion as a pivotal resource engine for players building black-based strategies. As card number 556 in the set, this foil version offers collectors a shimmering finish that complements the fantasy aesthetic of the franchise while providing tangible gameplay utility. Designed by Lixin Yin, the card functions as a one-mana black sorcery with a simple yet potent effect: it allows the caster to return a target creature card directly from their graveyard to their hand. This ability introduces the "Ring tempts you" mechanic, adding a layer of narrative tension and strategic decision-making that is central to the Tales of Middle-earth block. The low mana cost makes it an efficient tool for early-game recovery, helping players maintain board presence without sacrificing significant resources. For collectors, the Tales of Middle-earth set captures the epic scope of Tolkien's lore, blending iconic characters with immersive world-building. Sam's Desperate Rescue represents the resilience and loyalty found in the source material, translated into a mechanic that rewards patience and resource management. The foil treatment enhances its visual appeal, making it a desirable addition for those who appreciate both the artistic direction and the functional depth of modern Magic: The Gathering design. Whether you are looking to complete your Tales of Middle-earth collection or add a reliable recursion spell to your deck, this card bridges the gap between narrative appreciation and competitive play.

## FAQ

### What does Sam's Desperate Rescue do in Magic: The Gathering?

This card is a black sorcery that costs one mana to cast. Its effect allows you to return a target creature card from your graveyard to your hand, and it triggers the "Ring tempts you" mechanic.

### Which set is Sam's Desperate Rescue from?

Sam's Desperate Rescue is card number 556 from the 2023 Magic: The Gathering set titled The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. It is classified as a Common rarity.

### Who illustrated Sam's Desperate Rescue?

The artwork for this card was created by artist Lixin Yin. The illustration is featured on the foil version of the card within the Tales of Middle-earth expansion.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.