Kozilek, Butcher of Truth (Rise of the Eldrazi)
Kozilek, Butcher of Truth sits alongside Emrakul and Ulamog as one of the most iconic creatures in modern Magic. The Eldrazi titans reshaped the game when they were introduced, and Kozilek carried a unique identity that combined card draw, inevitability, and overwhelming board presence. The foil version from Rise of the Eldrazi remains the preferred collectible for players and investors who want the original treatment of the Eldrazi era.
Kozilek is both a gameplay staple and a high-end collectible, which gives this card lasting appeal across multiple segments of the MTG community.
What Is Kozilek, Butcher of Truth?
Card Name: Kozilek, Butcher of Truth
Set: Rise of the Eldrazi (2010)
Rarity: Mythic Rare
Card Type: Legendary Creature — Eldrazi
Artist: Michael Komarck
Text Highlights:
- Draw four cards when cast
- Annihilator 4
- Shuffles into library when put into a graveyard
- Massive body and immediate board impact
While Emrakul dominates the spotlight, Kozilek is the titan that creates real card advantage on the turn it is cast. It draws cards, pressures the board, and forces the opponent to react immediately.
Historical Context and Competitive Impact
Kozilek found a home in every big-mana strategy that wanted both draw and threat density. The card featured in:
- Legacy and Modern Cloudpost
- Tron variants
- Ramp and Eldrazi Commander decks
- Any shell that wanted a reliable late-game payoff
Drawing four cards on cast gives Kozilek a level of floor strength most titans cannot match. Even if removed, the pilot walks away with a grip full of resources. In Commander, the card has been a long-term staple that serves as both value and finisher.
Across formats, Kozilek is the Eldrazi you cast when you want immediate advantage and pressure.
Market Performance and Collectibility
Rise of the Eldrazi foils have established themselves as premium mythics with strong long-term appreciation. Kozilek’s foil sits comfortably among the top performers from the set.
Price History
| Year | Avg Raw (NM) | PSA/BGS/CGC 9 | PSA/BGS/CGC 10 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ~$160 | ~$210 | ~$280+ | Early Eldrazi spike |
| 2022 | ~$170 | ~$225 | ~$300+ | Commander and collector demand rise |
| 2023 | ~$185 | ~$240 | ~$320+ | Strong stability across formats |
| 2024 | ~$195 | ~$260 | ~$350+ | Gradual long-term climb |
| 2025 | ~$200–$230 | ~$275 | ~$375+ | Consistent premium titan pricing |
The price trend has been stable for years, and demand remains strong among Eldrazi collectors and Commander players.
Condition Sensitivity
ROE foils are known for relatively high durability, but Kozilek still comes with common issues:
Strengths:
- Strong foil layer for the era
- High saturation and clarity
- Low natural curling compared to modern treatments
Common Issues:
- Edge whitening
- Light surface scratching
- Off-centering on some print runs
High-grade versions consistently command premiums, especially PSA or BGS 10s.
Population and Demand Dynamics
Demand comes from several strong collector and gameplay groups:
- Eldrazi collectors building full titan sets
- Commander players using Kozilek as top-end card draw and finisher
- ROE-era foil enthusiasts
- High-end binders and slab collectors
Supply remains limited and does not inflate due to the age of the set and low numbers of pristine foils remaining in circulation.
Aesthetic Appeal
Collectors consistently highlight Kozilek’s:
- sharp, high-contrast artwork
- dramatic Komarck composition
- clean foil pattern that emphasizes depth
- strong display presence in binders and slabs
- original Eldrazi frame that has become iconic
Among all Kozilek printings, the ROE foil is widely considered the definitive version.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Kozilek helped define what modern late-game threats could look like. It combined card advantage, inevitability, and raw board presence in a way that felt new at the time. Its cast trigger became the standard for top-end design, influencing Eldrazi cards for years to come.
As a collectible, Kozilek is a pillar of Rise of the Eldrazi’s mythic foil hierarchy and part of one of the most recognizable trios in Magic’s history.
Why Kozilek Endures
- one of the strongest late-game value threats ever printed
- premium original foil treatment
- wide Commander applicability
- strong cross-format demand
- steady long-term price growth
- deep connection to the Eldrazi identity
Kozilek, Butcher of Truth remains one of the most desirable cards for high-end collectors and Commander players looking for a flagship titan.
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