Collect the Cackling Fiend (Card #121) from Magic: The Gathering's 1998 Urza's Saga expansion, a rare Zombie creature designed by Brian Despain.
1998 • Magic: The Gathering • Urza's Saga
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.21 | Guide Estimate | -8.7% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 29, 2026
The Cackling Fiend stands as a formidable presence within the 1998 Urza's Saga expansion of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. As card number 121, this Common rarity creature belongs to the black mana color identity and features a mana cost of {2}{B}{B}. Players who master the strategic depth of this release will appreciate the creature's unique ability to disrupt opponent's hands the moment it enters the battlefield, forcing each adversary to discard a card. This immediate disruption makes it a valuable addition for collectors building thematic Zombie decks or those seeking powerful early-game interactions from the original block era. Designed by artist Brian Despain, the card captures the eerie and macabre aesthetic typical of Urza's Saga. The flavor text hints at the creature's sinister nature, noting that its windpipe is merely the first to amplify its maddening laughter. For the serious Magic: The Gathering collector, owning a copy of Cackling Fiend is about more than just gameplay; it is about holding a piece of TCG history. The Urza's Saga set remains a cornerstone of the game's legacy, and cards like this Zombie creature exemplify the creative design philosophy of the late 1990s. Whether you are looking to complete a set of Urza's Saga cards or simply appreciate the artistry of Brian Despain, this card offers a compelling narrative and mechanical utility that has endured for decades.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Cackling Fiend
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Brian Despain
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}{B}
Creature — Zombie
2 / 1
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
When this creature enters, each opponent discards a card.
Its windpipe is only the first to amplify its maddening laughter.
FAQ
The Cackling Fiend has a mana cost of {2}{B}{B}, requiring three black mana to cast. It has a mana value of 4, making it a mid-range creature in the early to mid-stages of a game.
The artwork for the Cackling Fiend in the Urza's Saga expansion was created by Brian Despain, known for his dark and atmospheric fantasy illustrations.
Cackling Fiend is a Zombie creature. Its ability triggers upon entering the battlefield, forcing each opponent to discard a card, providing immediate board control.
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