Llanowar Behemoth MTG Card
1997-06-09 - Number 132
2003-07-28 - Number 261
2003-07-28 - Number 261★
2005-07-29 - Number 252★
2005-07-29 - Number 252
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elemental |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Tap a creature you control: +1/+1 until end of turn
"Most people can't build decent weapons out of stone or steel. Trust the elves to do it with only mud and vines." —Gerrard of the *Weatherlight*
Cards like Llanowar Behemoth
The Llanowar Behemoth is a creature that holds its ground in MTG due to its potential for tremendous growth on the battlefield. Its might is linked to the number of Forests you have in play, drawing a parallel to another forest-loving giant, Dungrove Elder. Dungrove Elder has hexproof as a notable defensive mechanism and its power and toughness are also equal to the number of Forests controlling the board, making it a formidable presence.
Moving to the skies, Arbor Colossus provides another comparison point. It boasts an impressive start with its base power and toughness and potentially grows further with monstruous ability. While not directly tied to Forests, its devastating reach and creature destruction give it a sizable advantage against flyers, a trait that Llanowar Behemoth lacks.
Both cards cater to strategies that maximize forest dominance, but their secondary characteristics and adaptabilities create distinct niches within MTG gameplay. Llanowar Behemoth, with its dependency on an abundant green mana base, reflects a specific type of deck synergy. Its kinship with forests can turn it into a colossal threat, one that aligns with green’s theme of overpowering through sheer force of nature.
Cards similar to Llanowar Behemoth by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Llanowar Behemoth offers strategic flexibility by enabling you to tap untapped creatures you control to give it a significant +1/+1 until end of turn. This can turn any swarm of creatures you have into a powerful force, effectively utilizing your available resources to develop a dominant board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Thanks to Llanowar Behemoth’s ability to grow stronger with each creature you tap, it works harmoniously in decks that focus on summoning multiple creatures early on. This synergy accelerates your resource efficiency, making your army of creatures an asset in more ways than one.
Instant Speed: While the behemoth itself operates at sorcery speed, its ability can be activated at instant speed which provides a tactical advantage during combat. You can surprise opponents during the attack phase by turning a block or assault into a devastating encounter, especially with the potential of instant-speed summoning spells that swell your creature count right before damage is dealt.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Llanowar Behemoth asks you to sacrifice a land in order to tap it for a bonus, which could set you back in your ramping strategy, particularly in the early game when every land counts.
Specific Mana Cost: With green mana in its casting cost, the Llanowar Behemoth might not be suitable for multi-colored decks that struggle with green mana sources, thereby limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at five mana total, including one green, this card comes at a high cost when compared to other creatures in the same converted mana cost category. This might impede your tempo, especially against decks that field cheaper creatures with comparable power and toughness.
Reasons to Include Llanowar Behemoth in Your Collection
Versatility: Llanowar Behemoth can adapt effortlessly to various playstyles. It’s particularly effective in green decks that thrive on having numerous creatures, amplifying its power and toughness.
Combo Potential: With the right setup, it can become a formidable force, synergizing with cards that tap creatures for additional effects or benefit from high power creatures.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where board presence is key, Llanowar Behemoth stands strong. It’s a potent addition for any player seeking to influence the battlefield with sheer size, capable of making an immediate impact in a creature-centric metagame.
How to beat
The Llanowar Behemoth is a formidable green creature card that can be quite a challenge to face in MTG. With its ability to tap lands for a significant power boost, this creature becomes an ever-growing threat on the battlefield. But there are effective strategies to counter it. One efficient way is through creature removal spells. By using spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile, you can remove the Behemoth before it becomes too powerful.
Alternatively, controlling the number of creatures your opponent has can also limit the Behemoth’s strength. Cards like Wrath of God or Damnation that clear the board can sweep away the Behemoth along with other threats. For a more direct approach, using enchantments to neutralize it, like Pacifism or Darksteel Mutation, can prevent the Behemoth from attacking or blocking, essentially rendering it a non-issue as you press your advantage in other ways.
Ultimately, having a plan against creatures like the Llanowar Behemoth is essential for successful gameplay. With the right tools and timing, this towering giant can be tamed, allowing you to regain control of the game and lead you towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Llanowar Behemoth MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and Eighth Edition, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Llanowar Behemoth and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Llanowar Behemoth Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 2005-07-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-06-09 | Weatherlight | WTH | 132 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Hannibal King | |
| 2 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 261 | 2003 | Normal | White | Hannibal King | |
| 3 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 261★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Hannibal King | |
| 4 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 252★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 5 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 252 | 2003 | Normal | White | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Llanowar Behemoth has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Llanowar Behemoth card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-04-01 | Since the activated ability doesn’t have a tap symbol in its cost, you can tap a creature (including Llanowar Behemoth itself) that hasn’t been under your control since your most recent turn began to pay the cost. |