Maze of Ith

Maze of Ith was released in 1994 as part of The Dark, the fourth expansion set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, The Dark leaned heavily into gothic horror and folklore aesthetics, aiming to provide a distinct, darker atmosphere compared to previous sets. Its design focused on cards that rewarded specific mechanical strategies or introduced unique utility effects, positioning Maze of Ith as a powerful tool for controlling combat.

The card features artwork by Anson Maddocks, one of the original artists involved in the game's early years. Maddocks utilized his signature moody and organic illustration style to depict the labyrinth, capturing the cryptic, disorienting nature of the titular location. Upon release, the card was received as a highly innovative utility land, valued for its ability to effectively neutralize an opponent's attacker. It remains a notable piece of early game design that significantly influenced how land cards could interact with the game's combat mechanics.