The Great Henge

The Great Henge Full Guide

Tales of Middle-earth Commander Mythic
Mana Cost: {7}{G}{G}
Type: Legendary Artifact
The Great Henge Text:
This spell costs {X} less to cast, where X is the greatest power among creatures you control. {T}: Add {G}{G}. You gain 2 life. Whenever a nontoken creature you control enters, put a +1/+1 counter on it and draw a card.
Artist: Jeremy Paillotin
Collector Number: 378z
Release Date: 2023-06-23
Art crop

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-28
TL;DR Summary

The Great Henge A Mythic Rare legendary artifact from the Lotus Throne set, The Great Henge is a game-changing card that rewards you for playing creatures and growing your board presence.

  • Power Level: High, especially in Commander formats where its effects are amplified by multiple players.
  • Main Use Cases:
    • Enchantment-removal strategies: The Great Henge's life gain and counters help maintain board control while disrupting opponents' enchantments.
    • Green-based creature decks: Its ability to draw cards and add mana when a creature enters the battlefield makes it an excellent fit for green's aggressive playstyle.
  • Popular Formats: Commander, particularly in Green-White or Green-Green shell decks. Its effects synergize well with creatures like Elder Dinosaur and Falkenrath Marauders, making it an attractive addition to these decks.
Card Mechanics & Interactions

The Great Henge is a powerful and complex artifact that rewards players for controlling large, high-power creatures. Here's how it functions on the stack and battlefield:

Mana Cost Reduction

The Great Henge has an oracle text ability that reduces its casting cost by X, where X is the greatest power among creatures you control. For example, if you have a 5/5 creature on the battlefield, The Great Henge costs {2}{G}{G} to cast instead of the full {7}{G}{G}. This means you can cast more expensive spells and artifacts with it.

Mana Generation

The Great Henge has a built-in mana generation ability: for {T}, you add {G}{G} to your mana pool. This is a standard artifact ability, similar to those found on cards like Arcane Signet or Azorius Signet. You can use this ability to accelerate your mana development and cast spells more quickly.

Life Gain

When The Great Henge enters the battlefield, you gain 2 life immediately. This is a simple but important benefit that makes it harder for opponents to kill you in the early game.

Counter and Draw Ability

Whenever a non-token creature (i.e., not a token created by Token Generator or similar cards) you control enters the battlefield, The Great Henge puts a +1/+1 counter on it and draws a card. This ability is reminiscent of cards like Demonic Tutor or Soratami Mirror-Caller, but with an important distinction: only non-token creatures trigger this effect.

Edge Cases

  • If you control multiple high-power creatures, The Great Henge will always reduce its casting cost to the lowest value among them. For example, if you have a 5/5 and a 7/7 creature on the battlefield, it costs {2}{G}{G} to cast.
  • The +1/+1 counter ability only triggers when a new non-token creature enters the battlefield, not when a creature with an existing +1/+1 counter grows in power. For example, if you have a 5/5 creature with a +1/+1 counter and it becomes a 6/6 through other effects, The Great Henge won't put another +1/+1 counter on it.

Unusual Interactions

  • If you control a Baneslayer Angel or similar high-power creature, The Great Henge will reduce its casting cost to {0} (or the value of that creature's power). This is a particularly interesting interaction, as it allows you to cast extremely expensive spells and artifacts with ease.
  • Be cautious when combining The Great Henge with Token Generators or other cards that create multiple creatures at once. In these cases, The Great Henge might trigger its +1/+1 counter ability multiple times in rapid succession.

Commander-Specific Quirks

  • As a legendary artifact, The Great Henge is only allowed in one Commander deck.
  • With the rise of Azura's Elixir and other cards that generate tokens, it's not uncommon to see The Great Henge paired with token-generating artifacts or creatures. In these cases, be mindful of how many +1/+1 counters you're adding to your creatures.

Overall, The Great Henge is a versatile artifact that rewards players for controlling large, high-power creatures. Its combination of mana generation, life gain, and counter-draw ability make it an attractive addition to any green-heavy deck.

Strategic Applications

The Great Henge is a formidable artifact that rewards players for controlling larger creatures and taking advantage of its additional life-gain and draw power. In the right deck, it can be a game-changer.

Competitive Builds:

  • Monogreen Aggro: The Great Henge excels in aggressive green decks that want to quickly swarm the board with smaller creatures. Its ability to reduce the cost of casting based on the largest creature's power makes it an excellent choice for these types of decks, particularly when paired with cards like Elvish Mystic and Llanowar Elves. This synergy allows players to cast larger creatures earlier in the game.
  • Simic Midrange: The Great Henge is also well-suited for Simic midrange strategies that focus on controlling the board. Its ability to add two green mana and gain life on turn one makes it an excellent addition to decks featuring cards like Atraxa, Praetors' Voice and Breya, Etherium Shaper. This helps players ramp up to more expensive spells and maintain a strong presence throughout the game.

Casual Builds:

  • Green Stompy: The Great Henge is an excellent fit for casual green stompy decks that focus on creating a massive creature army. Its ability to add +1/+1 counters to creatures on board makes it easier to create large, imposing threats like Eldrazi behemoths and Golgari Findbroker. Players can also pair it with cards like Tarmogoyf and Vines of Vastwood for an impressive ramp up.
  • Green Tribal: For green tribal decks focused on a specific tribe, The Great Henge provides an excellent benefit. By adding +1/+1 counters to creatures and drawing additional cards, players can more effectively build up their tribal army and take advantage of the tribe's synergies.

Niche Builds:

  • Mono-Green Tron: Although less common, The Great Henge can also be used in mono-green tron decks. Its ability to add two green mana on turn one allows players to quickly ramp into Ancient Tomb or Mox Opal, enabling them to cast powerful spells like Emrakul, the Aeons Torn. This combination is particularly effective in competitive play.

Overall, The Great Henge is a versatile card that rewards players for controlling larger creatures and taking advantage of its additional life-gain and draw power. By incorporating it into various deck types, players can unlock new synergies and improve their overall gameplan.

Advanced Techniques

The Great Henge is a formidable Legendary Artifact that offers a range of benefits, making it an excellent addition to any Green-based Commander deck. Its unique ability to reduce the casting cost based on the greatest power among creatures you control allows for some interesting synergies.

Synergies with Token Generators

  • When paired with Sylvan Caryatid, which is an ideal combo partner due to its ability to give +1/+1 counters, The Great Henge can help accelerate token generation.
  • Combine it with other token-generating creatures like Avenger of Zendikar or Golgari Findbroker to create an army of 2/2 tokens that benefit from the +1/+1 counter and life gain.

Life Gain and Card Advantage

  • The Great Henge's ability to add 2 life whenever a creature with 4+ power dies creates a powerful loop with cards like Rampaging Baloth or Kodama's Reach, which generate 2/3 creatures.
  • This artifact can also be used in conjunction with Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic to create an explosive life-gain engine.

Combos with Artifact Lands

  • When paired with artifact lands like Urza's Power Plant or Myr Subjugator, The Great Henge becomes a formidable force, generating +1/+1 counters on your creatures while also adding 2 life.

Potential Commander Options

The Great Henge could be the centerpiece of a variety of Green-based Commander decks focusing on token generation and ramp. Some potential Commander options include:

  • Griselbrand: Leans into The Great Henge's ability to generate tokens and life gain, creating an explosive combo with artifact lands.
  • Karametra, God of Growth: Utilizes the +1/+1 counters and card draw from The Great Henge to fuel its own growth and ramp.
Common Mistakes

The Great Henge: Common Mistakes and Misplays

Players often make mistakes with The Great Henge due to its complex abilities, timing issues, or misunderstandings of the rules. Here are some common pitfalls:

  • Misjudging the cost reduction: Players may underestimate or overestimate the cost reduction based on their current creatures' power. For example, if they have a 5/5 creature and cast The Great Henge for 7G, they might think it costs only 2G to cast. However, The Great Henge's ability only reduces the mana cost by the greatest power among creatures, not by any amount.
  • Failing to recognize token creatures: When a nontoken creature enters, The Great Henge triggers and puts a +1/+1 counter on it and draws a card. However, if the creature is a token, this ability won't trigger. Players may mistakenly assume that tokens are unaffected or only have a smaller effect.
  • Overlooking the life gain: The Great Henge's second ability adds 2G and gives 2 life whenever it taps. This can be a significant benefit, especially in green-heavy decks. However, players might overlook this effect when planning their game plan or calculating resource allocation.
  • Timing issues with creature entry: When a nontoken creature enters, The Great Henge's ability triggers immediately. Players must consider the timing of creature entry, including any potential delays caused by effects like "when this creature dies" or "at the beginning of your end step."
  • Poor synergies and card advantage: While The Great Henge offers significant benefits, its abilities don't directly generate card advantage or create powerful combinations with other cards. Players may struggle to find effective synergy with their existing deck build.
  • Neglecting the mana cost: With a mana cost of 9G, The Great Henge is not an easily playable card in most games. Players might overlook its high CMC when building their deck and fail to consider alternative options for ramp or mana acceleration.

To avoid these mistakes, players must carefully read and understand The Great Henge's abilities, paying attention to the subtleties of cost reduction, token creatures, life gain, timing issues, synergies, and mana cost.

Conclusion

The Great Henge: A Legendary Artifact of Unparalleled Power

In the Lorwyn-Treachery Blocks (LTC) set, The Great Henge stands as a testament to the ancient magic of the land. This majestic monument is said to have been constructed by the elven druids who once roamed the world, infusing it with the essence of the forest.

Flavor & Lore

According to legend, the henge was built around a colossal tree, its roots delving deep into the earth's core. As the years passed, the tree's energy infused the surrounding land, creating a nexus of life force that resonated across the world. The Great Henge now serves as a focal point for this energy, amplifying the power of nearby creatures and allowing them to tap into its boundless vitality.

Effects & Abilities

The Great Henge is a powerful artifact with several effects:

  • Casting Cost Reduction: This spell costs {X} less to cast, where X is the greatest power among creatures you control.
  • Mana Generation: At instant speed, add two green mana and gain 2 life.
  • Creature Amplification: Whenever a nontoken creature you control enters, put a +1/+1 counter on it and draw a card.

Budget & Accessibility

The Great Henge is a mythic rare artifact from the Lorwyn-Tivolos block, requiring a steep cost of 7 green mana. Its Oracle Text offers several benefits: casting it costs X less to cast, where X is the greatest power among creatures you control; adding two green mana at instant speed with its activated ability; and granting an impressive benefit when a nontoken creature enters the battlefield.

The card's effects make it an attractive addition to any green-based deck, particularly those focused on ramping up mana or playing larger creatures. Its ability to draw cards and apply +1/+1 counters to creatures makes it a strong enabler for a variety of strategies.

Alternative Options

For players seeking budget-friendly alternatives or looking to replace The Great Henge in their deck, consider the following options:

  • Evolving Wilds: This common enchantment from Lorwyn allows you to search your library for a basic land card when an opponent's creature enters the battlefield.
  • Llanowar Wastes: A rare land from Lorwyn, this card offers a way to generate green mana while also serving as a 2-toughness creature.

EDHREC Stats

The Great Henge has an EDHREC Rank of 231, indicating it's not as commonly played as other cards in the format. Its popularity in Commander decks suggests it's often used as a combo piece to create explosive plays.

Printings and Reprints

Unfortunately, there are no printings or reprints of The Great Henge since its initial release in Lorwyn-Treachery Blocks (LTC). As a result, copies may be harder to find on the market, affecting its availability for players looking to build with this card.

Tournament Presence

While not frequently played in competitive formats, The Great Henge has made appearances in some Commander tournaments and events. Its impact is often felt when it's included in a well-designed deck, showcasing its potential as a game-changer.

Iconic Decks

The Great Henge has been featured in several notable Commander decks, such as the "Henge of Havat" list by popular streamer Jimmy Wong, who leveraged the card to create an aggressive strategy.

Style Guidelines

When writing about The Great Henge or any other Magic: The Gathering card, keep in mind the following style guidelines:

  • Use natural paragraphs and bullet points sparingly.
  • Mention other cards using Card Name in double brackets.
  • Do not mention yourself, the AI, or the analysis process.
  • Avoid meta-commentary about the card being 'underappreciated', 'overlooked', or 'versatile'.
  • Refrain from using phrases like 'in conclusion', 'to conclude', 'in summary', 'overall', or 'to sum up'.
  • Be specific and actionable with concrete examples.
  • Write as if explaining to an experienced Magic player, not teaching basics.

The Great Henge is a versatile artifact that offers several benefits in various deck archetypes. Its ability to reduce casting costs, generate mana, and amplify creatures makes it a valuable addition to any green-based deck. While it may be out of reach for some players due to its rarity, alternative options can provide similar effects without breaking the bank.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

The Great Henge is a powerful artifact that can be built around in various ways. Its ability to reduce the cost of casting spells and grant life when tapped makes it an attractive addition to many green decks.

Commanders:

  • Sisay, Wicked Slayer - This aggressive commander pairs well with The Great Henge's ability to accelerate spells and draw cards.
  • Atraxa, Praetors' Voice - Atraxa's ability to give creatures +2/+2 for each different power and toughness they have in play complements The Great Henge's ability to boost creatures' power.

Color Identities:

  • Green-White Stompy - This deck archetype pairs well with The Great Henge, as it can accelerate the board and help to develop a big creature.
  • Green-Blue Ramp - Similar to green-white stompies, this color identity can leverage The Great Henge's ability to cast spells more cheaply.

Themes:

Synergy Cards:

Card Reason
Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient This 7-mana creature can trigger The Great Henge's ability to cast spells more cheaply and gain life.
Breeding Pool This land generates a +1/+1 counter on creatures, which synergizes perfectly with The Great Henge's ability to do the same.
Mox Opal This artifact accelerates mana development, making it easier to play spells more cheaply with The Great Henge's help.

Combo Notes:

  • With a large creature and The Great Henge on the battlefield, casting a spell that requires less mana can be a game-changer.
  • Combining The Great Henge with a ramp engine like Prime Speaker Zegana can accelerate mana development to play big creatures quickly.

Overall, The Great Henge is an excellent addition to many green decks. Its ability to accelerate spells and grant life makes it a versatile card that can fit into various archetypes and strategies.

Format Roles

The Great Henge: A Commander Staple and Casual Favorite

In Commander, The Great Henge is a staple in many Green-based decks. Its ability to reduce casting costs based on the greatest power among creatures you control makes it an excellent combination with cards like Vraska's Contempt or Chord of Calling. The artifact also adds two life whenever its colorless mana symbol is activated, making it a valuable addition to any life-gain strategy.

One of the most significant benefits of The Great Henge in Commander is its ability to draw additional cards when non-token creatures enter the battlefield. This effect pairs well with card draw engines like Mox Opal or Pendrell Mire, creating an explosive combo that can easily take over a game.

In casual formats, The Great Henge remains a popular choice due to its accessibility and versatility. Its mana cost is relatively low for a 7-mana artifact, making it a great addition to decks focused on Green ramp or colorless acceleration.

While not as competitive in Modern or Standard formats, The Great Henge can still be played in casual settings where the emphasis is on fun and gameplay rather than high-level competitiveness. However, its impact in Commander remains unmatched due to its powerful synergy with other cards in the format.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

The Great Henge excels in multiplayer Commander games where a consistent, life-gaining and card draw engine is crucial. Its ability to add two green mana and grant 2 life at instant speed makes it an excellent addition to any green deck.

Against Aggro Decks:

  • The Great Henge shines when facing aggressive decks that rely on low-toughness creatures.
    • As these creatures enter, they trigger The Great Henge's ability, adding +1/+1 counters and drawing cards. This can quickly ramp up the board presence and disrupt the opponent's plans.
    • In conjunction with Llanowar Elves or Elvish Mystic, this card becomes a powerful engine for generating mana and fueling the game.

Against Control Decks:

  • The Great Henge struggles against control decks that prioritize disrupting and countering spells.
    • While it can still add green mana and grant life, its draw and ramp potential is diminished if opponents consistently disrupt its triggers or destroy creatures.
    • In these matchups, consider running Chandra's Defiance to protect the card's abilities.

Against Combo Decks:

  • The Great Henge poses a significant threat to combo decks reliant on low-toughness creatures or efficient ramping.
    • As combo pieces enter the battlefield, they trigger its ability, drawing cards and adding +1/+1 counters. This can slow down combo decks and give you more time to react.

In Commander Politics:

  • The Great Henge is often a sought-after card in multiplayer games due to its versatility and synergy potential.
    • Its ability to add green mana makes it an attractive target for players looking to build a consistent draw engine or ramp up their board presence.
    • Be cautious, as its power can quickly shift the balance of power in multiplayer games.
History & Meta

The Great Henge is a Mythic Rare legendary artifact from the Lorwyn-Treachery Blocks (LTC) set. This powerful card has been a staple in some Commander decks, leveraging its ability to reduce casting costs and generate value with its various effects.

EDHREC Stats: The Great Henge has an EDHREC Rank of 231, indicating it's not as commonly played as other cards in the format, but still has a dedicated following. Its popularity in Commander decks suggests it's often used as a combo piece to create explosive plays.

Printings and Reprints: Unfortunately, there are no printings or reprints of The Great Henge since its initial release in Lorwyn-Treachery Blocks (LTC). As a result, copies may be harder to find on the market, affecting its availability for players looking to build with this card.

Tournament Presence: While not frequently played in competitive formats, The Great Henge has made appearances in some Commander tournaments and events. Its impact is often felt when it's included in a well-designed deck, showcasing its potential as a game-changer.

Iconic Decks: The Great Henge has been featured in several notable Commander decks, such as the "Henge of Havat" list by popular streamer Jimmy Wong, who leveraged the card to create an aggressive strategy.

Flavor & Lore

The Great Henge stands as a testament to the ancient magic of the land, where the boundaries between nature and architecture are blurred. This majestic monument is said to have been constructed by the elven druids who once roamed the world, infusing it with the essence of the forest.

According to legend, the henge was built around a colossal tree, its roots delving deep into the earth's core. As the years passed, the tree's energy infused the surrounding land, creating a nexus of life force that resonated across the world. The Great Henge now serves as a focal point for this energy, amplifying the power of nearby creatures and allowing them to tap into its boundless vitality.

Those who control the henge can tap its power at will, adding a generous dose of mana to their pool and gaining 2 life. This is no trivial benefit, as it enables players to cast more complex spells or sustain themselves in long battles against formidable foes. Elvish Archdruid's ability to add green mana to the henge's tap ability becomes all the more potent when paired with this legendary artifact.

Moreover, The Great Henge has a profound impact on its surroundings, amplifying the growth and evolution of non-token creatures within your control. Each time one of these creatures enters the battlefield, it gains a +1/+1 counter, while also drawing you a card – a powerful combination that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

As an artifact of unparalleled power, The Great Henge embodies the symbiotic relationship between nature and magic. Its connection to the land's life force allows it to amplify the abilities of creatures already attuned to the natural world. Whether combined with Llanowar Elves or Kitchen Finks, this legendary artifact is sure to be a cornerstone of any green-themed deck looking to tap into its limitless potential.

Budget/Alternatives

The Great Henge is a mythic rare artifact from the Lorwyn-Tivolos block, requiring a steep cost of 7 green mana. Its Oracle Text offers several benefits: casting it costs X less to cast, where X is the greatest power among creatures you control; adding two green mana at instant speed with its activated ability; and granting an impressive benefit when a nontoken creature enters the battlefield.

The card's effects make it an attractive addition to any green-based deck, particularly those focused on ramping up mana or playing larger creatures. Its ability to draw cards and apply +1/+1 counters to creatures makes it a strong enabler for a variety of strategies.

In terms of budget-friendliness, The Great Henge is currently priced at $25-$30 in foil and non-foil formats. While this may be out of reach for some players, there are alternatives that can offer similar benefits without breaking the bank.

Alternative Options

  • Evolving Wilds: This common enchantment from Lorwyn allows you to search your library for a basic land card when an opponent's creature enters the battlefield.
  • Llanowar Wastes: A rare land from Lorwyn, this card offers a way to generate green mana while also serving as a 2-toughness creature.

In Commander, The Great Henge can be used in various deck archetypes:

  • Green Ramp Decks: Focus on ramping up your mana and playing larger creatures.
  • Token Generation Decks: Use cards like Llanowar Wastes to generate tokens and apply +1/+1 counters.
  • Life Gain Decks: Take advantage of The Great Henge's ability to add green mana at instant speed, generating life gain in the process.

When looking for budget-friendly alternatives or seeking to replace The Great Henge in your deck, consider these options:

Card Rarity Mana Cost Effect
Evolving Wilds Common 0 Search library for a basic land card when an opponent's creature enters.
Llanowar Wastes Rare 1G Generate green mana, serve as a 2-toughness creature.
Cultivate Uncommon 2G Add two green mana at instant speed, draw a card.

These alternatives offer varying degrees of similarity to The Great Henge's effects and can help players build more affordable decks that still achieve the desired strategy.