Knight of Old Benalia

Knight of Old Benalia was released in 2019 as part of Modern Horizons, a groundbreaking Magic: The Gathering set designed specifically for the Modern format. Unlike standard expansions, this set bypassed the typical rotation of legal sets, introducing new cards that referenced deep lore and mechanics from the game’s extensive history. The card itself serves as a functional reimagining of the classic Knight of Stromgald, updating the original design for a contemporary power level while maintaining the distinct visual identity of the Benalian forces in Dominarian history.

The artwork was commissioned from Dan Murayama Scott, who aimed to capture the noble, armored aesthetic of the Benalian military. Scott utilized a refined, painterly approach to emphasize the knight's presence on the battlefield, focusing on the interplay of light on polished plate armor and the fluttering heraldry of the order. Upon release, the card was well-received by players for its efficiency as a common-rarity creature, particularly in limited formats where its protection abilities provided a strategic advantage in aggressive deck builds.