Bill the Pony

Bill the Pony was released in 2023 as part of The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, an expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. This set marked a significant milestone as the first 'Universes Beyond' release to feature an entire set dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, aiming to blend the mechanics of the game with the narrative depth of Middle-earth. The card was designed to represent the steadfast and courageous pony who accompanies the Fellowship through the Mines of Moria, emphasizing themes of companionship and resilience found in the source material.

The card’s illustration was crafted by artist Dmitry Burmak, who sought to capture Bill’s gentle yet resolute character amidst the perilous journey. The design focuses on the pony’s expressive demeanor, grounding the fantastical setting in a relatable, heroic creature. Upon its release, the card gained significant appreciation from both Magic players and fans of Tolkien’s work, largely due to its unique mechanical ability to gain food tokens, which cleverly pays homage to the character’s survivalist nature and the iconic literary moments where the pony serves as a reliable provider.