The Game of the Gods
Figures and symbols from Norse mythology, designed by Barbro Gustafsson and Inga Lundström.
Norse mythology provides us with a plethora of gods and goddesses. In this pack you will find the obvious ones – Odin (KC), Thor (KD), Loki (KS), Freya (QH) – as well as some lesser-known ones. All are depicted in a somewhat primitive yet effective manner and in simple colours (red, black and gold only) by the two designers, Barbro Gustafsson and Inga Lundström. Each has an accompanying description in English, as do the aces which are used to identify the symbols that replace the pips everywhere other than in the corners of each card. These symbols represent the Midgard serpent (S), the ship of Freyr, Skidbladnir (H), the eight-legged horse of Odin, Sleipnir (C), and the hammer of Thor, Mjollnir (D). The maker’s name can be found on the Ace of Hearts. On the back, in black on gold, are an unidentified human couple (possibly Lif and Lifthrasir, the only two beings who will survive at Ragnarok, the destruction of the world) and the name of the archaeological museum in Stavanger for which this pack was made. See the box



Above: The Game of the Gods playing cards made by Esselte Öbergs AB, Eskilstuna, Sweden, for the Arkeologisk Museum, Stavanger, Norway, 1991. 52 cards + 2 (identical) Jokers + 1 extra card in tuck box. Size: 56 x 86.5 mm. © Barbro Gustafsson and Inga Lundström
Another edition of this pack has all the text in Norwegian.

By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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