Kalevala

Sunish Chabba’s latest art project, Kalevala playing cards, is inspired by the ancient mythology and folklore of the Karelian and Finnish people. The deck is entirely hand-drawn and depicts the heroes and villains of the Kalevala, the epic poem compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century and considered an important cultural heritage for the Finnish people.

Right: details of original artwork and the final figures for Väinämöinen and Aino →

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Spades

The following notes are taken from the limited print booklet. The central hero, Väinämöinen (K ♠), possesses magical powers of song and music. Aino (Q ♠) is Joukahainen’s beautiful sister who tragically drowns herself as she didn't want to marry Väinämöinen. Joukahainen (J ♠) is an unintelligent young man who arrogantly challenges Väinämöinen to a singing contest which he loses.

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Diamonds

Seppo Ilmarinen (K ♦) is the Eternal Hammerer and blacksmith who creates Sampo and various other magical devices. The Maiden of Pohjola (Q ♦), the wife of Ilmarinen and daughter of Louhi, is the evil sorceress and Pohjula’s Mistress. Kullervo (J ♦) is a misguided, troubled youth filled with vengence who is sent as a slave for Ilmarinen's wife.

Clubs

The King of Karelia (K ♣) is Marjatta’s son who is later condemned to death by Väinämöinen for being born out of wedlock. The boy, in turn, chastises Väinämöinen and is later crowned King of Karelia. Marjatta (Q ♣) is the King’s mother, a holy woman and virgin who gives birth in a stable to the son who becomes King. Sampsa Pellervoinen (J ♣) is the god of fertility.

Hearts

Lemminkäinen (K ♥) is a handsome, arrogant and reckless ladies man and the son of Lempi. Lemminkainen's Mother (Q ♥) sews together all the pieces of Lemminkainen's body and succeeds in restoring his body. Tiera (J ♥) is the friend of Lemminkäinen and accompanies him to the battle with the mistress of Pohjola.

The Jokers

Louhi (jokers) is the sorceress who steals the Sampo, provoking Ilmarinen and Väinämöinen to enter her stronghold in secret and retrieve it. Louhi, in reply, pursues them and combats Väinämöinen. In the struggle, Louhi is vanquished but the Sampo is destroyed.

Above: Kalevala playing cards deck by Sunish Chabba and Ishan Trivedi, published by Guru Playing Cards, 2018. The deck contains 52 cards + 2 jokers + 2 extra gaff cards + key card in tuck box with accompanying booklet. (Click image to zoom). A limited edition of 495 decks was backed on Kickstarter in 2018 and a standard edition version is also produced by United States Playing Card Company. People can buy both limited and standard edition decks from here►