The Lay of Nine Worlds - a Norse Tarot Deck

The Lay of Nine Worlds is a comprehensive 78-card tarot deck that immerses readers in the world of Norse mythology and Viking-era daily life. Created and illustrated by Jeremy Dwiggins, the deck was a two-and-a-half-year endeavor, born from a desire to fill a niche for a Norse-themed deck that avoids both extreme fantasy and stereotypical "bloodthirsty raider" tropes. Instead, it focuses on Norse deities and everyday people living their lives, offering a grounded yet mythologically rich interpretation of the tarot.

The deck aims to provide a balanced perspective, integrating the grandeur of Norse gods with the practicalities of historical Viking culture. This approach allows for a nuanced reading experience, where the archetypal energies of the tarot are expressed through familiar Norse figures and scenarios. The campaign successfully funded its print run, reaching a stretch goal that enabled gold gilt edging for all decks, enhancing the tactile and visual appeal of the cards.

Each of the 78 cards is an individually realized piece of art, reflecting extensive research and artistic dedication. The deck is designed to be accessible to those familiar with Norse lore while also serving as a functional tarot tool for a wide range of readers. Its unique blend of historical detail and mythological depth makes it a distinctive addition to any tarot collection, offering a fresh lens through which to explore traditional tarot meanings.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers with an interest in Norse mythology, Viking history, or ancient European cultures. It appeals to those seeking a deck that combines mythological depth with grounded, everyday life scenarios, moving beyond common fantasy tropes. Both experienced readers looking for a unique thematic interpretation and beginners drawn to the rich lore will find this deck engaging. Collectors who appreciate hand-drawn art and thematic consistency will also find it a valuable addition.

The Lay of Nine Worlds was conceived when artist Jeremy Dwiggins's wife, HopeAllyson, expressed a desire for a Norse-themed tarot deck that avoided common fantasy or overly aggressive stereotypes. She commissioned him to create a deck featuring Norse deities and everyday Viking-era people. What began as a worthy challenge for his drawing-a-day blog evolved into a nearly three-year project, involving extensive study, research, and the creation of 78 individual art pieces. Dwiggins proudly presented the culmination of this dedicated work, aiming to fund its print run through Kickstarter.