Blade barrier

Blade barrier was an evocation spell that summoned a wall of spinning, razor-sharp blades of force.

Effects
Older versions of this spell created a deadly curtain that could be as small as 5 ft (1.5 m) square or as large as 60 ft (18.3 m) square. Newer versions capped the height at 20 ft (6.1 m) and the shape could be a straight wall or a circular barrier whose length or radius was dependent on the caster's level.

Any creature passing through the wall was harmed,   although nimble creatures could avoid some of the blades from the newer version of the spell. If cast in an area already occupied, those quick enough could avoid the wall as it formed and be safely on whichever side they chose.

The barrier not only kept opponents at bay, but also provided some cover from ranged attacks that passed through it.

Components
Only verbal and somatic components were necessary to cast this spell.