Tempting Wurm

Tempting Wurm was originally printed in the 2002 Magic: The Gathering expansion set Onslaught. It belongs to the green color identity, designed to embody the high-risk, high-reward nature of the game’s creature-heavy mechanics. Its ability, which allows opponents to put permanents onto the battlefield in exchange for the Wurm’s substantial size, reflects the design philosophy of the period, which often explored trade-offs between raw power and board state volatility.

The card’s illustration was created by artist Carl Critchlow, whose distinct, painterly style helped define the visual aesthetic of the Onslaught block. Critchlow focused on emphasizing the creature's massive, imposing scale within a lush, primal forest setting. While not a staple of competitive play, the card remains a notable example of the 'big creature' archetype and has been periodically reprinted, including its appearance on The List, a curated selection of cards from Magic's history included in modern booster packs.