# 2023 Magic: The Gathering The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth #646

> The Balrog, Durin's Bane is a legendary creature card from the 2023 Magic: The Gathering set, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. This foil version of card number 646 features the iconic avatar demon.

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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**: #646
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Balrog, Durin's Bane is a formidable presence in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game, specifically from the 2023 set titled The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. Designated as card number 646, this foil rare card brings a legendary creature of immense power to the battlefield. As a legendary creature with the subtypes Avatar and Demon, The Balrog commands a mana cost of five generic mana, one black mana, and one red mana, resulting in a total mana value of seven. Its physical stats are a formidable 7 power and 5 toughness, reflecting its status as a devastating force in play.

The card's rules text offers unique strategic advantages that appeal to collectors and players alike. A key feature is its reduced casting cost, which decreases by one mana for each permanent sacrificed during the turn. This mechanic encourages aggressive resource management and board control. Additionally, the card possesses haste, allowing it to attack or use activated abilities immediately upon entering the battlefield. Its defensive capability is distinct, as it cannot be blocked except by legendary creatures, making it a difficult target for opponents relying on standard blockers.

When The Balrog, Durin's Bane eventually leaves the battlefield, its final impact is significant. Upon its death, it triggers an effect that destroys a target artifact or creature controlled by an opponent. This ability provides a powerful removal option, ensuring that even after the creature is no longer on the field, it can still influence the game state by eliminating key threats. The foil treatment of this card from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set adds a layer of visual appeal, making it a desirable addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection. The combination of its thematic identity from J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium and its robust gameplay mechanics makes this card a standout piece for enthusiasts of both the game and the source material.

## FAQ

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

The Balrog, Durin's Bane is a legendary creature card with the subtypes Avatar and Demon from the 2023 set, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth. It is card number 646 and features a foil finish.

### What are the gameplay abilities of this card?

The card has haste and cannot be blocked except by legendary creatures. It also reduces its casting cost by one mana for each permanent sacrificed that turn, and destroys a target opponent's artifact or creature when it dies.

### What is the mana cost and power/toughness of this card?

The Balrog, Durin's Bane has a mana cost of {5}{B}{R}, a mana value of 7, and power/toughness of 7/5. It requires both black and red mana to cast.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.