Beregond of the Guard

Beregond of the Guard was released in 2023 as part of the Magic: The Gathering set 'The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth', specifically appearing within the accompanying Commander deck series. This set represented a significant collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Middle-earth Enterprises, aiming to translate J.R.R. Tolkien’s dense mythology into the strategic mechanics of the collectible card game. The card itself draws from the character's role in 'The Return of the King' as a member of the Guard of the Citadel who plays a pivotal part in the defense of Minas Tirith.

The artwork was commissioned from Campbell White, whose illustrative style emphasizes the stoic, protective nature of the character. The design team focused on translating Beregond’s lore-based loyalty into game mechanics by granting him abilities that buff other creatures when he attacks, reflecting his leadership and defensive prowess in battle. Upon its release, the card was generally well-received by players for its thematic accuracy and its utility within white-aligned Commander strategies, fitting seamlessly into decks focused on creature-heavy board states.