Tarot of the Elves

Tarot of the Elves - a cinematic deck full of elven legends

Not every fantasy deck feels real. This one does. Tarot of the Elves takes the classic tarot structure and translates each card into the elven realm: the High Priestess becomes an elven queen, the Tower a ruined fortress, the Fool a young elf setting out on an adventure.

The illustrations are by Davide Corsi, an Italian artist who draws as if he is making concept art for a film. The cards are detailed, dark and fairytale-like at once. Much happens in forests, near rocks, in half-light. The colours are muted: lots of green, brown, grey, with the occasional bright accent that catches the eye.

What you see on the cards

Each card tells a story. The characters wear clothing from another era, carry swords or staves, stand in landscapes that resemble northern forests or ancient ruins. The Minor Arcana follow the tarot structure, but the scenes are specific: no abstract symbolism, just elven figures doing something or experiencing something.

The cardstock is sturdy and has a smooth finish. The cards measure 66 x 120 mm, a classic tarot size that shuffles well but is not too large for smaller hands. The back shows a symmetrical pattern in blue and green, reversible.

How this deck works in practice

This is a deck that asks you to read stories. The images give enough context to understand a card without immediately reaching for the guidebook. That makes it suitable for beginners who prefer looking to memorising, but also for experienced readers who want to work intuitively.

The guidebook is multilingual and contains brief descriptions per card. The English text is the most extensive. There are no spreads, only card meanings.

Lay down a card and first look at what is happening in the scene. Who is standing there, what are they doing, where are they looking? Often the answer is in the story itself.

About Mark McElroy and Davide Corsi

Mark McElroy wrote this deck. He is an American author and tarot teacher known for clear, accessible texts on tarot.

Davide Corsi drew the cards. His style is cinematic and detailed, almost three-dimensional. He works with light and shadow in a way that gives the cards depth. His elven world feels modern and tactical, not saccharine.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Size: 66 x 120 mm
• Cardstock quality: sturdy with smooth finish
• Guidebook: multilingual booklet, including English
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
• Author: Mark McElroy
• Illustrator: Davide Corsi

Questions we often get

Is this deck suitable for beginners?
Yes. The images tell stories you can follow without prior knowledge. The guidebook gives basic information per card, enough to get started.

How does this deck differ from other fantasy decks?
The drawing style is more realistic and darker than most elven decks. It feels more like a graphic novel than a fairytale book. The focus is on story, not decoration.