Top 207 Best Viking Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

The term Vikings meant “a pirate raid” in Old Norse.

The unparalleled maritime trade and plunder of the Scandinavians created a huge European diaspora which, in turn, has given rise to a huge tattoo subculture centered on Viking mythology.

Viking, Norse, and Celtic tattoos (they are closely related) are rich in symbolism, superstition, warrior gods, and powerful animal motifs. Whether it’s a Viking skull tattoo, a tattoo symbol that calls to the gods, or a simple horned helmet and sword piece, there is body art that will appeal to you.

The following collection of the 207 best Viking tattoo ideas showcases the breadth and depth of the Viking Age tattoo style, with a range of brilliant designs for your tattoo artist to help capture the essence of bravery and martial skill .

1. viking compass vegvisir tattoo

The viking compass, also known as a vegvisir, is a mystery. only mentioned in an Icelandic manuscript, it supposedly keeps the wearer (or bearer) safe in all sorts of horrible weather and prevents them from getting lost.

plus, it can help travelers get where they’re going, even if they don’t know where it might be.

a vegvisir tattoo often incorporates runes at the end of each line. these can be used to spell the name of a place you’re going, a place you call home, or the name of a loved one.

Remember that precise lines are essential for a bold viking compass tattoo idea. each rune must be sharp and legible.

2. viking tribal tattoo style design

You may associate the knot with Celtic history. When the Vikings began to invade and colonize these lands, between 600 and 1200 AD, they adopted some of these popular patterns in Viking design.

While the Celtic knot features an endless line folded into a circular or other design, the Norse took a slightly different perspective.

The Nordic knot does not have to use a continuous line and often makes a person, animal or object the star of the design rather than the knot itself.

Precise lines and in many cases shading are crucial for this type of Viking Age tattoo.

3. Nordic tattoos on the arm

Inked arm tattoos in the Nordic genre come in a wide variety of styles.

Whether tattoos are a representation of the Vikings themselves, bloodthirsty berserkers of a Viking ship with a horned helmet, or a tattoo symbol of the mythology of these great warriors, an arm tattoo is a ideal place to tell stories.

The arm is a great place to display any Viking culture tattoo as it is in an easily visible area. at the same time, it’s a relatively easy place to cover up if need be, assuming one is comfortable wearing long sleeves.

That said, not everyone is required to cover their tattoos because of work or other responsibilities, so for them, the arm might be even more appealing as a place to place their next Viking tattoo design.

>

4. viking longship tattoos

One of the many things the Vikings are remembered for in our modern times is their means of transportation. Traveling primarily by sea, the Vikings often navigated the fierce waters in their distinctive long ships.

It goes without saying that the Viking ship was a vital part of life and culture. For this reason, it’s not uncommon to see them inked on a Viking tattoo.

longship tattoos are a fitting way to show one’s connection to Viking history.

5. rune tattoos

Everyday and mysterious at the same time, the runes made up the alphabet of the Viking culture.

These symbols, very few of which survive today, were an ancient method of communication. it is easy to see why they are frequently incorporated into Norse tattoos.

There are a few things to keep in mind when designing a rune tattoo:

• Remember that runes are mostly lines, so select an expert tattoo artist in this area.
• be absolutely sure what you mean. work closely with your tattoo artist to ensure the finished art spells things out perfectly
• understand that there are three major rune sets and several minor rune sets. Northern Europeans, British, and Scandinavians all had their own different rune sets, so be sure to use a set or image that represents the Norse runes

6. valkyrie tattoos

A unique character in violent Viking history is the Valkyrie. these warrior angels choose who dies and who lives in battle, then escort the fallen to the afterlife in the hall of the dead, valhalla.

In Norse tradition, dying in battle was the highest honor, so the Valkyries and their role as “selectors of the dead” are powerful symbols of protection, purity, and honor.

Valkyries have long been popular tattoo subjects among today’s soldiers, and the huge popularity of certain superhero movies has reignited interest in these amazing but deadly female seraphs.

7. nordic blackwork tattoos

The world of blackwork encompasses many specific components, from artistic styles to techniques such as dotwork. quality line work and shading make up many of the best Viking tattoos, while faint lines and blotchy fades tend to create Norse tattoos to avoid. this is true of virtually all genres of tattooing.

Since much of Viking and Norse art and lettering consists of woodcarvings, knotwork, and runes, keeping things sharp and crisp is essential to truly paying homage to this proud and fierce part of your ancestry.

8. mjolnir tattoos

thor, with his mighty hammer mjolnir, was the viking god of thunder and war. he valued strength, honor, and valor in battle above all else.

Scandinavians would invoke his name in prayers asking for the strength to divide their enemies, as well as for protection: for themselves and their loved ones back home.

Much of the Norse way of life largely revolved around what was considered to be Thor’s area of ​​influence over the natural world. He was believed to grant victory to the brave and strong, welcoming them to his side in Valhalla after they had fought their last battle.

9. odin tattoos

Those who want to embrace their Norse ancestry often look to the greatest Viking god, Odin, as a symbol of strength and power.

odin is associated with the “berserker”, a warrior whose fighting style focuses on raw, frenzied, and ferocious techniques.

People who look beyond Odin’s warlike nature admire him for his appreciation of wisdom. Viking style tattoo often depicts Odin with an empty eye socket.

This symbolizes that his eye was sacrificed for wisdom and is one of Odin’s most notable features.

10. viking valknut tattoos

The valknut is three interconnected triangles, whose name was coined from the Old Norse words valr, meaning “slain warrior”, and knut, meaning “knot”. The exact meaning behind this Viking symbol is unknown, but scholars of Norse mythology have surmised various explanations.

The popular modern Norse tattoo is believed to have been used primarily by Germanic pagans, appearing on many objects during the 8th and 9th centuries, the time of their “pagan” existence before Christianity.

It is also supposed to represent the power of Odin, who had the ability to “bind and loose” a person’s mind during battle.

Because the symbol often appears on funeral gifts during these periods, it is assumed to be associated with death and the afterlife.

11. viking wolf tattoos

Vikings held great respect for the wolves of the forest, many involved in traditional folklore and tales as violent yet strong characters with strong ties to warrior ideals of family, strength and courage.

The wolf most associated with Norse tattooing comes via the giant wolf Fenrir.

dictionary.com defines fenrir as: “a wolf-like monster, son of loki and angryboda, chained by gleipnir but destined to be released at ragnarok to eat odin and be killed by vidar.”

Most realistically styled interpretations of Norse wolf tattoos feature Fenrir, snarling and violent, either chained or breaking free of his shackles.

12. Nordic tattoos with wood carvings

13. nordic dragon tattoos

14. odin’s ravens

Deeply rooted in Old Norse mythology, the huginn and muninnn ravens are a powerful tattoo choice for the sensible and wise.

Their names mean “thought” and “mind” and together they were the trusted allies and friends of Odin, the wisest and most cunning of the Viking gods.

legends tell that these beautiful black birds leave the shoulders of odin every morning to fly around the world, gathering all the knowledge and wisdom that can be found in the day.

every night they returned to him and whispered all the information they had gathered into his ear, increasing his power and reinforcing his reputation as the all-knowing father.

15. yggdrasil tattoos

The yggdrasil is a particularly impressive piece of art that features the image of a tree, well known in Norse mythology.

As the Encyclopaedia Britannica explains, “yggdrasill, Old Norse mimameidr, in Norse mythology, the world tree, a giant ash that supports the universe.”

As you can see, this tree was no small matter for the Norse.

the legend of the great tree says that one of its roots went to the underworld, another went to the land of the giants and yet another went to the land of the gods.

16. kraken tattoos

Norse mythology will come to life when you search for some awesome kraken body art.

This gigantic aquatic beast is an iconic symbol of ancient maritime mystique. With massive tentacles, this monstrous sea dweller is a legitimately badass creature of the deep.

Fans of the legendary destroyer emphasize the kraken’s ability to crush ships, whether in nuanced gray and balc ink, bright colors, or classic, traditional American-style pieces.

17. ragnar tattoos

What better way to show off your toughness and skill in combat than to get a tattoo of Ragnar from the hit TV series Vikings?

The name Ragnar Lodbrok alone could strike fear into the hearts of men. Ragnar, a fierce warrior, is one of the stars of the show, playing Bay Aussie Travis Fimmel, and forming the basis of the plot of the popular TV series.

why don’t you get such a tough model tattooed on your chest, back or even your arm?

18. helm of awesome tattoos

The Helm of Awe, also known as the Aegishjalmur, is an ancient Norse symbol that bestows protection and spiritual power.

In the Poetic Edda, one of the oldest Norse mythological texts, the dragon Fafnir claims that its protective power helps make it indestructible.

During the Middle Ages, Viking warriors headed into battle adorned with the symbol of the helmet tattooed on their bodies or drawn on their foreheads.

The central circle and the eight trident runes that cross it are protective symbols linked to victory during battle, to show strength against fear and attract the protective gaze of the gods.