Allegories and Myths

Vivid beasts rule on these cards from artist Violeta Monreal, who has designed several other Fournier decks. Each suit represents an element: spades are air, hearts are water, clubs are earth, and diamonds are fire, with each card containing a mythological creature appropriate to the suit. For example, the Ace of Spades has winged horses while the Ace of Diamonds bears fire-breathing dragons or wyverns. Some of the court cards differ on the top and bottom; faces aren't the same or little details like a crown is different.

This deck could’ve used an accompanying brochure. It’s unclear what the “allegory” part of the title refers to. Some of the beasts, like two lions merging into one (or one lion with two bodies) are unfamiliar – perhaps they are the allegories.

Allegories and Myths is a semi-transformation deck, which means the pips have been moved around from their traditional places. The back is a rather busy collection of tiny plants and animals. Lastly, the deck comes with a title card of sorts, but it’s printed on what looks like stock paper, not on a playing card.