Wall of Text

Defender
Defender is a keyword that has only existed since
2005, but the idea behind defender has existed since the very beginning of Magic. The ability is straightforward, creatures with Defender cannot attack. Prior to the existence of the keyword the concept existed and was represented by creature cards with the creature subtype of walls. It was decided that having specific rules to govern specific subtypes was an added difficulty that was not needed. With the introduction of the keyword ability, th