Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver

Orcrist, known as the Goblin-cleaver, is a legendary Elven blade forged in the hidden city of Gondolin for the wars against Morgoth. In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, the sword is discovered by Thorin Oakenshield in a troll-hoard during the quest to reclaim Erebor, becoming a defining weapon in his struggle against the forces of darkness. Its appearance in tabletop card games draws upon its deep mythological roots, where it is consistently depicted as a masterful, ancient piece of elven craftsmanship designed to strike fear into the hearts of goblins.

The artistic representation of Orcrist within collectible card sets typically leans into the descriptive details provided in Tolkien’s prose, often featuring the curved, leaf-shaped blade and the ornate, jewel-encrusted hilt described in the source material. Designers generally aim to evoke a sense of historical weight and magical significance, ensuring the card reflects the sword's status as a 'biter' that glows with a warning light when enemies are near. It is generally well-received by fans for its faithfulness to the original descriptions and its narrative integration into the game mechanics.