Behemoth's Herald

Behemoth's Herald was released in 2008 as part of the Shards of Alara expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The set introduced the concept of the plane of Alara, a world fractured into five distinct shards, each defined by a specific color philosophy. This card was designed for the Jund shard, a harsh environment where survival of the fittest is the governing rule, represented mechanically by the black, red, and green color triad.

The card was illustrated by Dave Kendall, whose dark, visceral aesthetic was a staple of the era's fantasy art. His design for the Herald captures the predatory nature of Jund, emphasizing the theme of 'unearthing' or summoning massive creatures from the grave. Upon its release, it was noted primarily for its utility in limited formats, where its ability to fetch a powerful creature like Master of Etherium or similar high-impact threats provided a reliable bridge to the late game.