Minecraft Wither Skeleton
min044 · Minecraft
The Nether · 2014 - First appeared in 'The Nether Fortress' (21122)
Figure ID
min044
Theme
Minecraft
Year Released
2014 - First appeared in 'The Nether Fortress' (21122)
Rarity
Uncommon. Initially restricted to larger sets, it became more accessible through smaller battle-pack style sets later on.
Head
Cuboid 2x2x2 special Minecraft head mold in black or dark gray, featuring pixelated gray and light gray eye/mouth printing specifically designed to mimic the in-game Nether mob.
Torso
Official LEGO skeleton torso in black, featuring the classic exposed ribcage design. Includes standard skeleton ball-jointed arms for vertical movement.
Legs
Standard LEGO thin skeleton legs in black/dark gray. Unlike standard minifigures, these use a thin peg-style attachment for a bony appearance.
Accessories
Typically comes with a light gray or flat silver sword (Stone Sword). In the provided image, the figure is missing its accessory.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic palette of black and dark stone gray with light gray pixel printing to reflect its charred, undead nature.
Printing Details
Simple pixel-based printing restricted to the front of the head. No torso or leg printing, relying on the physical mold shape for detail.
Variants
Standard version (min044) and a newer version with a slightly adjusted head mold/print updated in later sets like the 21171 Horse Stable (though that is a standard skeleton). This specific one is the early original Nether variant.
Condition Notes
Prone to loose arm and leg joints ('floppiness') due to the friction-based ball sockets. The pixel printing on the head can scratch if stored in bulk bins.
Estimated Value
Used: $2.50 - $4.00 USD; New/Mint: $6.00+ USD. Value is generally low because it is an army-builder figure.
Price (New)
Retail set prices ranged from $19.99 (21139) to $79.99 (21122).
Compatible Sets
21122 The Nether Fortress, 21139 The Nether Fight, 21143 The Nether Portal, 21185 The Nether Bastion.
Character Background
Hostile mobs found in Nether Fortresses in the Minecraft game. They are taller than regular skeletons and inflict the 'Wither' effect on players.
Design Notes
The use of the classic fantasy skeleton body paired with a specialized Minecraft cube head was a clever hybrid of old and new LEGO parts.
Similar Minifigures
Standard Minecraft Skeleton (min011), Wither Boss (built form), and the Stray (min054).
Collectibility
High for 'army builders' who want to populate large Nether dioramas, but low for single-figure speculative investment.
History
Introduced when LEGO moved from the 'Micro-world' scale to the 'Minifigure' scale for Minecraft in 2014.
Interesting Facts
In the game, Wither Skeletons are 2.5 blocks tall; LEGO represents this height by simply adding the large cube head to a standard skeleton frame.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on netherrack-colored (dark red) baseplates alongside lava flows or Withers.
Modification Potential
The head is frequently used by MOC builders to create custom blackened furniture or pixel-art statues.
Overall Assessment
A solid, game-accurate representation of a fan-favorite mob. It is an essential component for any LEGO Minecraft collection.