Who The Kings On Playing Cards Are Said To Represent

Per The Guardian,the identities of the various kings in early decks of cards varied greatly in the French tradition of card-making, but from around 1553-1610, the names stenciled on French playing cards became broadly fixed. From then on, for example, the king of hearts was given the name "Charles." Though this is a common kingly

Per The Guardian, the identities of the various kings in early decks of cards varied greatly in the French tradition of card-making, but from around 1553-1610, the names stenciled on French playing cards became broadly fixed. From then on, for example, the king of hearts was given the name "Charles." Though this is a common kingly name in European history, it was in reference to one king in particular: Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great. Notably, his military might helped to stabilize the area of Europe that is today France — as well as parts of Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands — after the fall of the first Roman Empire (via History).

As noted by Britannica, Charlemagne was known as King of the Franks, a Germanic people after whom modern France is named. He became Holy Roman Emperor in A.D. 800 and ruled the continent until his death in 814. Though Charlemagne is typically depicted as bearded and mustachioed in classical portraits, the king of hearts in the modern deck of cards is 'stashless, the only one of the four kings to be so. According to The Guardian, this is believed to be due to a printing error that was then reproduced by later card makers.

The World of Playing Cards also notes that printing errors have led to the King of Hearts being referred to affectionately as the "Suicide King," as many prints seem to depict him plunging his sword into the side of his head. The Guardian notes that the sword was once an axe, but it was replaced at some point in the card's history.

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