# 2023 Magic: The Gathering The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth #405

> The foil version of The Balrog, Durin's Bane, a powerful Legendary Creature — Avatar Demon from Magic: The Gathering's 2023 Lord of the Rings expansion.

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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**: #405
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Balrog, Durin's Bane, card number 405, stands as a formidable presence in Magic: The Gathering's 2023 The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set. This Legendary Creature — Avatar Demon commands a mana cost of {5}{B}{R}, translating to a mana value of 7, and boasts a formidable power and toughness of 7/5. As a rare foil variant, it offers collectors a visually striking addition to their Middle-earth-themed collections.

The card's design emphasizes the sheer destructive power of the Balrog within the game's mechanics. Its abilities allow it to bypass traditional blocking restrictions, meaning it can only be blocked by legendary creatures, making it a persistent threat on the battlefield. When the Balrog eventually falls, its final effect triggers, allowing the controller to destroy a target artifact or creature an opponent controls, ensuring its impact is felt even after leaving play. This combination of aggressive stats and powerful removal effects makes it a memorable piece for fans of the franchise and the game.

For Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts, this card represents a key intersection of fantasy lore and strategic gameplay. The foil treatment adds a layer of premium quality, appealing to those who value both the narrative weight of the character and the aesthetic finish of the card. Whether you are building a themed deck around legendary creatures or simply appreciating the artistry of Colin Boyer's design, this rare foil card holds significant appeal. It serves as a centerpiece for collectors focusing on the darker, more destructive elements of Middle-earth mythology within the Magic universe.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of The Balrog, Durin's Bane?

The Balrog, Durin's Bane has a mana cost of {5}{B}{R}, resulting in a total mana value of 7. This requires five generic mana plus one black and one red mana to cast.

### What are the key abilities of The Balrog, Durin's Bane?

This Legendary Creature — Avatar Demon has haste, cannot be blocked except by legendary creatures, and deals a powerful effect upon death by destroying a target artifact or creature an opponent controls.

### What set is The Balrog, Durin's Bane from in Magic: The Gathering?

The Balrog, Durin's Bane is card number 405 from the set The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, released by Wizards of the Coast in 2023.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.