Planning to get a Norse or Viking tattoo? well, they are currently one of the most popular types of ink art among people in different countries. Not only is it an attractive piece of fashionable art, but it also has a fascinating history with captivating mythology, culture, and beliefs attached to it.
the origin of these tattoos dates back to the 8th century, when an ethnic group called “the vikings” from the scandinavian regions dominated the rivers of western europe and russia. their stories are popular in the pages of history books due to their charming and fun culture.
The Vikings were the rulers of the sea. they were adventurers, explorers, traders, and raiders. They explored and traveled throughout Europe and beyond in their high-quality ships between the 8th and 11th centuries.
History describes the Vikings as burly barbarians with strong muscles and flesh. they covered their bodies with various significant symbols, from their fingernails to their necks. therefore, they had traditional, spiritual, and sacred tattoos all over them. although there is no documented evidence to prove it, but these facts are credible since many archaeologists studied them.
It is a known fact that the Vikings were adorned with intricate signs and symbols. however, we have not discovered its meaning.
Nordic tattoos are a mixture of the runic alphabets. runes used to write both the Germanic languages and Welsh, the language of the Norse. they made various symbols by joining different alphabets. many great writers like jk rowling, jrr tolkien and jules verne etc. have valued these alphabets in their novels and stories.
If literature books can become enchanting and fascinating with these ancient ethnic symbols, so can your body. Although modern Norse tattoo designs are not actually from the Viking Age, most of them are inspired by Norse mythological objects, animals, symbols and weapons.
Let’s find out the meanings and importance of the most popular Viking tattoo designs, to make it easier for you to choose your ink art design when you visit your tattoo artist next time.
aegishjalmur – the helm of awe
This is one of the most powerful and cryptic signs in Norse mythology. this symbol is an eight-armed harpoon that secures the central midpoint of all negative forces. various archaeologists and scholars have many different interpretations of this sign. one of them is that it represents security, protection and defense from all the hostile forces that may surround you in the world.
Many Viking barbarians drew, engraved or painted this symbol on their forehead, right between their eyes in the belief that this would protect them and will induce horror among their foes.
the valknut – 3 interlocking triangles
The word valknut has its roots in the Old Norse words valor and knut. means “the knot of the fallen”. attributes to dead warriors. this symbol has three interlocking triangles. many archaeological archives show it engraved on a variety of objects, such as burial stones, from German-Nordic peoples.
People believe it has a deep connection to death, something the Norse worshiped rather than feared; odin god who receives fallen warriors dead in war in valhalla is very famous.
Other explanations associate it with a three-horned symbol, snoldelevstone; found in 9th century or German-Nordic paganism, etc.
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horned triskelion – three legs
This is a triple rotationally symmetric figure and is one of the most important Viking symbols. it has connections with valknut and triquetra. It is known as the three horns of god ordin. people believe that god ordin traded three nights with the giantess gunnloo to acquire the mead of poetry.
As soon as he finished those three meads, he got what he wanted, and then he transformed into an eagle and flew away. Ordin gained wisdom and knowledge from those three meads. Thus, this symbol symbolizes wisdom and intelligence.
troll cross – the protector
The people of Scandinavia wear a folded iron ornament for protection, known as a troll cross. A historical fact suggests that the Vikings wore a false troll cross around their necks to ward off hideous trolls. or they usually hang these crossed trolls on the doors of their houses and stables. people believed that it not only protects you from disasters, but also keeps you safe from supernatural entities, such as black magic.
So, troll cross is a symbol of protection against all negativities, and it is also associated with Othala. It is an Odal rune that means land and property.
yggdrasil – backbone of all existence
Trees have symbolic importance in many cultures; likewise, Germanic mythology sees a significant tree at the center of the world. people see this tree as a versatile symbol with a variety of meanings and interpretations. On the one hand, it is considered the connector and the center of the nine worlds. on the other hand, people believe that the branches of the tree support and support the sky.
Also, people see it as a world hub. mythological perspectives also refer to heaven, the midworld, and the underworld as being safe under the protection of yggdrasil.
vegvisir – the wayfinder
This is also known as the Viking compass, and this particular Norse symbol means signpost. people consider it a magical sijil-symbol. the main purpose of this sign is to show the light to the lost soul. people believed that if someone carries this sign with him, he will never forget the route.
It will guide them even in the worst of weather and will show a path even though one doesn’t have any idea about it. So, many people get it tattooed so that they never lose the path of righteousness and prosperity.
mjölnir – savior of the world
according to norse mythology, mjölnir is the short-handled magic hammer of thor, god of thunder and lightning. it is one of the most powerful weapons of the gods. The mythological perspective establishes that Thor used his most powerful weapon for the protection of the universe and to kill all the enemies of the gods.
It is symbolical for the protection and safety against the evil and chaotic energies in the world. Also, it provides security, stability, capability, force, and courage to the wearer.
gungnir – swaying
It is a magic weapon of the god ordin- the god of war. people believed that once they were betrothed, nothing could stop this enchanted spear from fulfilling its oath. it was once said that this spear never stopped once there was a war.
Thus, giving an insight that this particular symbol puts a spotlight on fulfilling promises, no matter whatever it takes.
huginn and muninn – the messengers
According to Norse mythology, the supreme god Odin had two ravens that used to perch on his shoulders. His job was to go around the worlds and bring all the important news and information from the nine worlds to order.
the meaning of this symbol is divided into two main branches. one meaning is that whatever happens, one has to have all the important knowledge and it points towards wisdom and intelligence. on the other hand, the loyalty of the crows towards their masters gives a message of adherence, loyalty, devotion and of giving the fair and honest message to everyone.
the web of wyrd – rules of faith
The Norse concept of destiny has its roots in the web of wyrd. According to Norse beliefs, the Norns did it, the ones who wrote destiny. the norns were the goddesses who wrote, decided and determined the destiny of the people.
web of wyrd is associated with the past, present and future. according to this, there is a connection between the three; so whatever we do in the past and present affects our future.
triquetra – a mystery
the triquetra is related to valknut and horn triskelion. Although we have not discovered its main symbolic meaning, researchers have discovered that it has something to do with paganism. there are many controversies about this particular symbol as it was also used by Christians at some point.
There are many discoveries in the Viking world where this symbol was present on different objects, such as combs. however, the meaning of this symbol remains a mystery to this day.
conclusion
So, we have come to the end of this article. Above, you read about the history, origin, and meanings of some popular Norse tattoos. you now have an open choice of what would be best for you.
art is never just about aesthetics, it also says a lot about people. so my advice to you would be please don’t just look for aesthetic tattoos. A tattoo will stay on your body for eternity, so choose your design wisely. get something memorable, or something closer to you. get something that is your own reflection. I hope some of these brilliantly aesthetic designs with deep meanings will help you choose the best tattoo for your body that others will covet.
