The Origin of The Queen of Hearts

**The Origin of “The Queen of Hearts“** “The Queen of Hearts“ is a classic nursery rhyme that has captured the imaginations of children and adults alike with its tale of stolen tarts and royal intrigue. The rhyme’s origins can be traced back to the late 18th century, though its themes and characters draw from earlier literary and historical influences. First published in 1782 in the book “The European Magazine,“ the rhyme was part of a longer set of verses about various members of a royal court. The Queen of Hearts is portrayed as the victim of a theft, with the Knave of Hearts stealing her tarts and the King of Hearts calling for the Knave to be punished. This storyline is simple yet engaging, providing a moral lesson about honesty and justice. The rhyme’s characters, particularly the Queen of Hearts, were influenced by the traditional playing cards, which date back to medieval times. The use of playing card imagery was popular in literature and art,