The television series Penny Dreadful is renowned for its dark, gothic atmosphere and its deep engagement with supernatural themes. Central to this aesthetic is the series’ use of a custom-designed Tarot deck, which serves not merely as a prop but as a vital storytelling device. Unlike standard Tarot decks, the cards featured in Penny Dreadful are intricately woven into the narrative, reflecting the show's unique visual style and the psychological turmoil of its characters. The deck was specifically created for the show, with designs that incorporate occult symbols, haunting imagery, and direct references to the series' motifs and characters. This approach transforms the Tarot from a simple divination tool into a conduit for the show's themes, offering insights into the characters' struggles and foreshadowing future events. The cards act as a bridge between the earthly realm and the supernatural, enhancing the mystical atmosphere that defines the series.
Vanessa Ives, a central character and an expert in the occult, utilizes this custom deck as a primary tool for decision-making and seeking guidance. Her consultations with the cards emphasize the supernatural elements of the narrative and establish a profound sense of mysticism. During pivotal moments, the Tarot provides Vanessa with insight into her future and the challenges she faces, particularly her ongoing battle with supernatural forces. The designs of these cards are described as having a dark and edgy approach, utilizing darker color palettes and imagery that align with the show's gothic roots. This distinct aesthetic sets the Penny Dreadful Tarot apart from traditional decks, making it a unique element of the series' world-building.
The connection between the Tarot cards and the characters is a defining feature of their use in Penny Dreadful. The cards are not generic representations of archetypes but are tailored to mirror the specific journeys and internal conflicts of the cast. This interaction between character and card adds layers of depth to the narrative, allowing for a visual representation of the characters' fears, desires, and the constant struggle between good and evil. The guidebook included with the commercial release of the deck, written by Liz Dean, further elaborates on these connections, providing detailed interpretations and intriguing facts about the show's characters and the stories behind the artwork. Through this integration, the Tarot deck becomes an essential part of the overall ambiance and theme of Penny Dreadful, contributing significantly to its captivating and mysterious story.
Symbolic Significance of Key Cards
The Penny Dreadful Tarot deck reinterprets traditional Tarot archetypes to fit the show's narrative, imbuing each card with specific symbolism relevant to the plot and characters. The design of each card is a visual narrative in itself, contributing to the foreshadowing and thematic depth of the series. The following are some of the key cards and their established meanings within the context of Penny Dreadful.
- The Devil: This card is depicted with a haunting design, symbolizing temptation, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature. Within the series, The Devil card specifically represents the constant struggle between good and evil that torments many of the characters, with a particular focus on Vanessa Ives. As Vanessa becomes more deeply entangled with supernatural forces, The Devil card serves as a stark reminder of the dangers she confronts and the internal battles she must fight.
- The Tower: The design of this card shows a towering structure being struck by lightning and engulfed in flames. This imagery signifies sudden and catastrophic change. In the context of Penny Dreadful, The Tower card is a symbol of upheaval and destruction, often appearing as a harbinger of significant events that will shake the very foundations of the characters' lives. It functions as a warning of the chaos and transformation that is to come.
- The Lovers: This card portrays a man and a woman in a tender embrace, symbolizing love, harmony, and balance. While the provided sources do not elaborate on its specific narrative application in Penny Dreadful, its inclusion in the deck suggests a thematic exploration of relationships and connection amidst the surrounding darkness.
- The Fool: The Penny Dreadful interpretation of The Fool offers a stark contrast to its traditional depiction. While the traditional card represents new beginnings and a sense of adventure, the version in the show takes on a more sinister tone. Its design features a creepy clown-like figure with a menacing grin and a blood-stained suit. This reinterpretation adds a sense of danger and unpredictability to the card's meaning, aligning perfectly with the show's themes of darkness and the supernatural.
- The Death: In contrast to the traditional Tarot's representation of transformation and rebirth, the Penny Dreadful version of The Death card offers a more literal interpretation. The design features a Grim Reaper-like figure holding a scythe and surrounded by skulls. This imagery emphasizes the finality and physical presence of death, a constant and looming threat within the series' narrative.
The Aesthetic and Functional Design of the Deck
The visual design of the Penny Dreadful Tarot is integral to its effectiveness as a narrative tool. The cards are crafted with a high degree of attention to detail and symbolism, which enhances the mystical atmosphere of the series. The back of the cards features a beautiful mandala design in shades of red and black, contributing to the overall aesthetic. The deck is made with high-quality materials, possessing a good thickness and a glossy finish that ensures durability for regular use, whether on screen or by fans.
A significant design choice was the adaptation of traditional Tarot suits to better fit the show's context. For instance, the suit of Cups is replaced with Chalices, which represent emotions and relationships. This change is noted as being significant in relation to the themes explored in Penny Dreadful, making the deck more resonant for fans of the show. The guidebook included with the deck provides detailed interpretations for each card and offers tips on how to conduct readings, further bridging the gap between the fictional world of the show and the practical application of Tarot.
The differences between the Penny Dreadful Tarot and traditional designs are most evident in their color palettes and the nature of their imagery. Traditional decks often use rich, varied colors and symbolic, sometimes archaic, figures. The Penny Dreadful deck, however, leans heavily into a dark, edgy aesthetic with a more limited, somber color palette and imagery that is directly tied to the show's gothic and occult themes. This unique approach ensures that the cards are not mistaken for a generic deck and firmly roots them in the world of Penny Dreadful, making them a fascinating glimpse into the show's supernatural realm.
Conclusion
The tarot cards in Penny Dreadful are far more than simple decorative props; they are integral components of the show's narrative architecture and symbolic language. Through custom designs that reflect a dark, gothic aesthetic and incorporate specific occult symbols, the deck serves as a powerful tool for character development, foreshadowing, and thematic reinforcement. Key cards such as The Devil, The Tower, The Fool, and The Death are reimagined to mirror the specific struggles and ominous atmosphere of the series, particularly through the lens of Vanessa Ives's journey. The attention to detail in the card art, the adaptation of traditional suits like Cups to Chalices, and the inclusion of a comprehensive guidebook all contribute to the deck's depth. Ultimately, the Penny Dreadful Tarot exemplifies how a familiar mystical tool can be uniquely transformed to enhance storytelling, adding a profound layer of intrigue and mystery to an already captivating narrative.