Viking Tattoo Designs & Meanings: Did Vikings Have Tattoos?

Viking tattoos

Viking tattoos and imagery from Norse mythology have had a resurgence in the mainstream after 2013’s Vikings and 4 awesome movies in the thor franchise.

The Vikings are one of the most instantly recognizable ancient civilizations.

that is, the version of them that we have come to know over the years.

Because of the enduring appeal of Viking legends, they are popular fodder for movies, comics, and tattoos.

People often get Viking tattoos because of their Scandinavian origins or their love of Norse art.

Despite their popularity, the true history of the Vikings is actually a question mark.

Many details about the Vikings, who kept no written records, have been lost to the sands of time.

But that shouldn’t stop you from getting a beautiful and bold Viking tattoo.

There are many tattoo artists who appreciate Viking culture and folklore.

You will be able to get the gist of the culture, but you may have to unlearn some things first.

Did Vikings have tattoos?

Nobody knows for sure if the Vikings had tattoos or not.

It’s easy to assume they did.

they were concerned with appearance, esoteric symbolism and body modification.

Some remains have shown, for example, that the Vikings filed their teeth with horizontal lines.

There is no written record of the reason for the Viking tooth modification, but historians assume it was to appear daunting.

The general consensus is that if the Vikings knew about tattoos, they would have gotten them.

Seeing as they were great travellers, it is likely that they encountered this art form on one island or another.

viking tattoo themes

For today’s Viking enthusiast, there are many tattoo designs to choose from.

Here are some design elements you can present to a tattoo artist and celebrate your Nordic pride.

Viking ship tattoos

Being such excellent explorers, the Vikings were known for their ships.

Viking ships are long, somewhat ornate, and have spikes at each end.

They have a distinctive look, which makes them popular subjects for tattoos.

The spikes at each end weren’t just for show, they were valuable for cutting ice.

long, pointed ships could also move quickly backwards or forwards.

This made it easier to navigate the icy waters.

A viking ship tattoo can represent your desire to push on through wild seas.

Sometimes high-ranking officials were buried on their ships.

This would ensure smooth sailing to the afterlife.

In this context, a Viking ship can make a nice memorial tattoo.

Speaking of Viking ceremonies, the floating vigil pyre and arrows is probably a myth.

the mechanic just wouldn’t work properly.

Vikings sometimes burned their lost on the ground.

Smoke is often used to cleanse bad energies in some circles.

rune tattoos

Rune are an ancient divination tool. they are still sold in various stores today.

A rune is a symbol carved or painted on a stone, piece of wood, or rock.

A rune reader will generally drop runes onto a surface and then read the runes facing up.

each symbol has its own meaning and will be read alone and in combination with the other runes.

Odin, who was on an endless quest for knowledge, is said to have discovered the runes.

after swinging from yggdrasil, the tree at the center of the universe, odin received the knowledge of runes.

The runes are divine symbols but they also function as a writing system.

There are 2 runic alphabets: the major futhark with 24 symbols and the minor futhark with 16.

the younger futhark is divided into the “long branch” or Danish style, and the “short branch” or Swedish and Norwegian style.

Rune tattoos can be an attractive eye-catcher for other enthusiasts.

Make sure your artist understands each letter and its meaning!

some runes can look very similar.

Viking deities tattoos

Nordic folklore is rich in legends and interesting deities.

If there is a specific trait you seek to cultivate in your life, there is likely to be a corresponding Norse deity.

let’s take odin, for example.

symbolizes wisdom, both of the mundane and esoteric variety.

perhaps you prefer her counterpart frigg, the goddess of motherhood, foresight, and wisdom.

another popular viking tattoo is freya, the goddess of fertility and gold.

you can see how much fun an artist would have imagining her.

odin tattoos

Even with no background in Norse culture, you may have heard of Odin.

He is the god of gods, the “father of all” of Norse legend.

As many people’s entry point to Viking deities, Odin tattoos are quite popular.

Generally speaking, Odin tattoos are a sign of wisdom and knowledge.

When considering Odin’s importance as a deity, it’s important to look him in the eye.

odin gave up his eye to gain access to the well of mimir, which would allow him to gain even more wisdom than he already had.

There are so many creative ways to represent this powerful deity.

There are so many epic stories about Odin, but they all come down to these essential traits: wisdom, altruism, and esoteric knowledge.

odin is also a shapeshifter with various animal familiars.

This is a popular tattoo design among people who follow a pagan lifestyle.

odin tattoos are especially popular with men, but he is someone any gender can relate to if they feel a special attachment to him.

Most people opt for black and gray portrait tattoos to pay homage to Odin, but there are no rules as to how he is depicted.

You should definitely prioritize tattoo artists with a background in Norse mythology, as they will bring a deeper understanding of your imagery.

some odin tattoos allow the king to be the center of attention, but you may want to incorporate some very odin-specific imagery.

odin owes some of his wisdom to his two raven companions, huginn and muninn, who bring him messages from all over the world.

odin’s raven tattoos can symbolize a deep connection with nature.

the wolves of odin tattoo can be a symbol of protection or a symbol that you are more perceptive than the average person and cannot be influenced.

odin’s spear tattoos are often used to represent protection in both the spiritual and physical worlds.

odin horns tattoos can represent a devotion to the god odin.

It may also be a nod to the myth in which Odin drinks the mead of poetry, a mythical potion that grants him knowledge.

The viking compass, also known as a vegvisir, has 9 points to represent 9 worlds.

Like most compass tattoos, a vegvisir tattoo represents guidance and protection on a journey.

Since Odin tattoos represent supreme knowledge and wisdom, an Odin with a Viking compass tattoo can represent a more intellectual journey.

There are so many tattoo aesthetics, both innovative and traditional, that can fit your odin tattoo.

To narrow down your options, you may wonder why you’re getting the odin tattoo.

Different tattoo styles can show all those moods, from soft and graceful to stoic, playful and expressive.

• odin tattoo sleeve

odin tattoos are often pulled directly from mythology itself so having more room on the skin is a great idea.

It’s hard to represent an entire scene or story in a small tattoo, so an odin piece can be a big compromise, size wise.

you can use the flow of your odin tattoo sleeve to tell one of his many stories or to surround him with some of the above companions and talismans.

• small odin tattoos

That said, we have nothing against small odin tattoos!

maybe you just want some viking lore to take with you, and who doesn’t?

For long-lasting results, you may need to go with something simpler, but a tattoo artist who is well-versed in small tattoos will be happy to work with you on the perfect design.

• black and amp; odin gray tattoos

Black and gray odin tattoos are the most common tattoo choice and for good reason.

This beautiful tattoo design has all the elements of a photorealistic tattoo, but your artist can take some liberties and add stylistic elements.

• simple odin tattoos

odin is complicated, but your tattoo art doesn’t have to be.

simple odin tattoos are awesome without all the bells and whistles.

Pick something tasteful and uncomplicated, and go for it!

• one-eyed odin tattoos

odin is best known, even outside of Norse mythology enthusiasts, for his eye.

“odin’s eyepatch!” is a funny expression that some people use instead of “oh my god!”

odin gave up his eye in his eternal quest for knowledge and never looked back.

What would you give up for the ultimate brain power?

thor tattoos

now, this all depends on which thor we’re talking about.

There are two worlds of Thor tattoos: those inspired by folklore and dedications to a popular Marvel character in particular.

Each could be an epic tattoo design in its own way and represent roughly the same ideals.

But it’s important to note that Marvel’s history is loosely based on Viking legends.

Either way, a Thor tattoo design is likely to represent physical strength and protection.

thor mask tattoos

Thor is mostly known for his hammer and winged helmet, but thor mask tattoos are another attractive symbol of this thunderous deity.

This mask is a protective symbol and would be used to impress the opponents of a Norse god.

If you feel like you need a little extra support in life, a Viking mask may do the trick.

loki tattoos

Loki is part of the pantheon of tricksters, a common theme in many belief systems.

Loki is a particularly mischievous character who uses his shape-shifting abilities as an agent of chaos.

is motivated by pleasure, money, and other earthly appetites.

a loki tattoo would be an excellent ally for someone who wants to wake people up from their boredom and complacency.

can also be a fitting symbol for someone who has trouble letting go and could afford to get into some mischief.

Maybe he’s not as mischievous as Loki, who sometimes gets carried away.

tyr tattoos

In Norse folklore, tyr is the original god of a set-to.

Although that title was eventually taken by Odin, Tyr remains the very picture of honor, integrity, and bravery.

the most famous story about tyr is how he lost his hand.

To gain the trust of Fenrir the Great Wolf, Tyr had to put his hand in Fenrir’s mouth.

in doing so, tyr knew he would lose his hand once fenrir found out he had been tricked.

tyr did what he had to do, earning himself a place of honor among the Vikings.

tyr’s tattoos represent his bravery and valor.

freyja’s tattoos

Freyja is equally famous as Odin in Norse folklore.

is a popular character in art and his name is one of the few Nordic surnames that has been incorporated into Western society.

In terms of archetypal energy, Freyja is aligned with goddesses like Aphrodite.

She is a complicated goddess in the sense that she symbolizes both fertility and loss of life, love and strife.

Apparently opposite concepts become more related when you think about the birth/end cycle.

freyja is in touch with all that is natural and is also said to have unrivaled beauty.

freyja’s tattoo designs can remind you to find beauty in all things.

Freyr’s tattoos

if you like the idea of ​​a freyja tattoo but want something more masculine, consider a freyr tattoo design.

freyr is freyja’s brother.

also symbolizes fertility, but has less of a dual nature than her sister.

a freyr tattoo represents peace, benevolence and celebration.

He is known as a much-loved character due to his generosity and ability to throw a great party.

baldur tattoo

baldur is the son of odin and frigg, which makes him the little brother of thor.

He was known as a joyful and pure personality, a god full of light.

When Baldur began to dream of his end, Frigg made every object on earth swear not to lay a finger on him.

but that was a tempting offer for loki, who used various ways to trick balder’s twin brother into finishing him off.

Because of this, Loki is currently tied to a rock under a snake.

It will only be released during ragnarok.

a baldur tattoo represents purity and a generous spirit.

His final exit is also what triggered a series of events leading up to ragnarok, so this tattoo may represent fated events.

viđarr tattoos

Although the great wolf fenrir is contained, he is destined to take down odin at ragnarok.

then the god viđarr is destined to kill fenrir as an act of revenge.

a viđarr tattoo represents vengeance and the ultimate triumph over evil.

ullr tattoos

while odin and thor are instantly recognizable players in these stories, ullr is well known among enthusiasts and those who know the mythos more intimately.

Over the years, it has become the guardian of winter sports lovers.

When ullr is depicted in tattoos, he is often portrayed as the ultimate athlete, zipping through some snow on his trusty skis with a bow and arrow in tow.

ullr tattoos can be drawn in any style you think is appropriate for you.

many artists enjoy putting a new spin on this epic figure, so talk to yours about what you can do to make your ullr tattoo stand out.

Viking symbol tattoos

when researching vikings, you will come across some attractive symbols.

however, do not confuse them with pure decorations.

There are many symbols from the Viking Age that have deep meaning.

Read below to learn more and find the right Viking tattoo design for you.

the helm of impressive tattoos

The Helm of Awe is a circular alchemical symbol that resembles the sun.

the ‘rays’ are made up of 8 tridents.

Sometimes the Helm of Awe is drawn in a ring of runic symbols and serpents.

A helm of awe tattoo represents a protective symbol.

mjölnir tattoos

Thor’s hammer, made popular today by marvel comics, is one of the most popular symbols in nordic folklore.

mjölnir translates to “lightning” and has the power to create lightning in the heavens.

a mjölnir tattoo represents power, blessings and protection against evil.

vegvisir tattoos

You can think of vegvisir as a magic compass.

It is an incredibly complex design consisting of 8 pentagrams branching from the same central point and ending with a single protective rune.

Viking tattoos are as vibrant in design as they are in their history and the Viking compass tattoo may be one of the most popular designs.

He is also known as the wayfinder, and was said to help people find their way.

Vikings went through some pretty rough weather and wore a vegvisir symbol for protection and guidance.

They can be seen as an ode to the heritage of a tradition once lost, a culture that stood the test of time, or they can be a source of interpersonal inspiration and a reminder of one’s inner power.

At its deepest level, the various meanings behind the Viking compass can be traced back to the individual tribes of the region.

Today, however, it is seen as a symbol of protection and guidance, with each beautiful design as unique as the skin it is tattooed on.

Although the placement of the Viking compass tattoo is by no means limited to placement or location, such placement could give a great indication of what the interpretation behind it is.

We can divide most Viking runes into three main categories: action, protection, and utility.

the runes would be those that indicate a form of internal impulse, self-motivation or fulfillment of an ambitious goal; These types of runes can be found, but are not limited to, places such as the limbs or legs when placed on the hand, it could be a symbol of directing your life in the right direction, using the tattoo as a guide for your path.

In terms of the location of the viking compass tattoo on the body, its intention could be interpreted depending on where it was placed.

If you have to go through something difficult, either physically or mentally, getting a vegvisir tattoo will be a sign of hope and divine protection.

Viking compass tattoos are very versatile and showcase some of the most distinctive and unique Norse tattoo designs.

They can often be combined with animals such as wolves, ravens or horses, paying homage to Viking gods and goddesses, or other elements associated with their culture.

While black and gray may seem like a common choice for this tattoo design, many have incorporated bold and colorful tattoo motifs, depending on the intent of the tattoo.

Considering its size and versatility, the Viking compass tattoo is a great option for someone looking to get a bold and bold tattoo.

valknut tattoos

Scholars don’t know precisely what a valknut symbol represents, but they have made some very educated guesses.

This triple triangular knot is often seen in funerary landmarks and is often accompanied by odin.

odin is, among other things, a guide who leads souls back and forth from the afterlife to the land of the living.

It stands to reason, then, that this knot represents the cycle of eternal life.

A valknut tattoo is often worn as a keepsake of a loved one or a talisman for someone who believes in the afterlife.

yggdrasil tattoos

There are nine kingdoms within Norse folklore and they all exist in a world tree or tree of life known as yggdrasil.

This is very similar to the kabbalistic tree of life, which has ten nodes.

three wells nourish the tree of life, each with its own properties and stories.

This gives you the right perspective to see runic symbols in one of the wells and learn their magic, which you then use to your advantage.

A yggdrasil tattoo can represent an eternal quest for knowledge or a feeling of interconnectedness in your own universe.

gungnir tattoos

gungnir is a magical spear that belonged to odin.

He pierced himself with it while swinging on the tree of life and later had runic symbols carved into it.

This spear was carved by dwarfs, the greatest craftsmen in Norse folklore.

a gungnir tattoo symbolizes protection, magic and altruism.

triquetra tattoos

The triquetra is a symbol that exists in the Nordic and Celtic culture.

represents the maiden, the mother and the old woman, the three sacred stages through which a woman passes throughout her life.

this is also related to the 3 phases of the visible moon: waning, waxing and full.

The triquetra was later appropriated by the Celts who used it to represent the holy trinity: father, son & Holy Spirit.

so a triquetra tattoo can mean different things to different people.

It can also represent the natural “three” in life: past, present, future, beginning, middle, end, earth, water, and sky.

Viking ax tattoos

For the viking lifestyle, an ax is essential.

was most commonly used in agriculture.

Because the ax is essential to a Viking lifestyle, it can symbolize Viking values.

Viking ax tattoos tend to represent bravery, honor and industriousness.

troll cross tattoos

A troll cross would be worn or placed above a door to ward off mischievous trolls or manipulation/evil spells.

Wearing a troll cross tattoo offers the same type of magical protection.

Viking helmet tattoos

As we have discussed, the Vikings did not wear horned helmets.

but a shaman (male or female) may have used them in a ritual.

This would have been both to honor animistic beliefs in Norse folklore and to represent abundance.

horned gods in paganism often represent abundance and life itself.

in fact, the image of satan as a horned creature was created with the direct intention of demonizing pagans.

That said, a Viking helmet tattoo represents fertility, abundance, and gratitude for the joy of living.

It can also express love for Viking culture because the images have become so intertwined.

svefnthorn tattoos

As health-conscious people, sleep was essential to the Vikings.

The svefnthorn translates to “sleep horn” and this symbol could help a hard-working Viking get a good night’s rest.

Sounds healthy enough, but in Norse folklore it’s also used as a magical instrument.

Placing this symbol on an opponent’s house puts them into a deep sleep, though how long is not specified.

a svefnthorn tattoo would symbolize rest after a long journey, protection or payment

sun cross tattoos

In both Norse and Celtic paganism, the sun figures prominently as a magical figure.

the sun represents the energy, vitality and power of the masculine “father”.

In Norse traditions, this was a symbol of Odin, encompassing those attributes.

a viking sun cross tattoo represents odin, a great option for someone who wants a more minimalist odin tattoo.

berserker tattoos

Here’s a fun fact for you: “berserker” is a Viking Age term used in modern English.

berserk is defined as wild and frantic actions.

When someone has gone insane, they are completely out of control, which is a clue to the meaning of this symbol.

Within Norse traditions, there are three hunting cults: the bear, the wolf, and the boar.

A berserker would be a member of the bear cult and would call upon bears to aid him in action or hunting.

They would train and hunt in a trance-like state, filled with primal fury.

A berserker tattoo can represent your admiration for these people or a desire to get in touch with your primal instincts.

ulfhednar tattoos

Ulfhednar were members of the wolf cult.

They performed rituals to contact the essence of the wolf and were so savage that they may have inspired werewolf folklore.

It is said that these people would have dyed their skin black to better identify with the image of the wolf.

That may be a different approach, but an ulfhednar tattoo may do the trick for you.

Viking boar tattoo

The svinfylking, or Viking boar, was ritualized to contact the spirit of a wild boar.

while bears and wolves served odin, svinfylking are related to freyr and freyja.

They had their own unique martial formation that resembled a boar’s head.

If you’re looking for a unique way to pay homage to the Vikings, a Viking boar tattoo would be an original choice.

shield maiden tattoos

Shieldmaidens are famous figures from Scandinavian folklore, though no one is sure if they ever existed in real life.

They were women who chose to resist alongside their male counterparts and feature prominently in the Vikings television series.

If you’re a woman who doesn’t mind getting a little dirty or someone who admires such women, a shield maiden tattoo would be a great tribute.

sigurd & fafnir tattoos

the story of sigurd and fafnir is a whole saga, a series of unfortunate events set in motion by our friend loki.

Will that guy be able to leave him alone well enough?

In short, fafnir is a shape-shifting dwarf who becomes obsessed with a cursed ring.

If the story sounds familiar to you, it’s because J.R.R Tolkein was a huge fan of Norse culture and was openly inspired by the story.

After murdering his father to acquire the ring, Fafnir turns into a dragon to properly protect him.

He is then killed by Sigurd, his nephew.

This story has many twists and turns, but the central theme is greed.

if you want to remind yourself not to obsess over material goods, or you’re just a big fan of history, a sigurd & the fafnir tattoo will look good on you.

mythical figures

As with any ancient belief system, there are some really fun mythological beasts in the Norse universe.

here is a bit of information for each.

maybe a tattoo of a Norse mythical figure is in your future?

jörmungandr’s tattoos

jörmungandr is an ouroboros known as the “serpent of the world”.

He is one of the three cursed descendants of the giant Angrboða and Loki.

this includes fenrir, the great wolf, and hel, the goddess of the underworld.

jörmungandr was once cast into the sea by odin, where it grew until it encircled the entire earth.

At this time, the snake sleeps with its tail in its mouth.

When the serpent’s tail is released, the ragnarok begins.

a jörmungandr tattoo could represent fate or just love for sea monsters

valkyrie tattoos

The term valkyries translates to “choosers of the dead,” which is pretty metallic.

They are handmaidens of Odin, choosing a few lucky fallen soldiers to join them in Valhalla.

there they will stand alongside odin at ragnarok, a great honor for a viking.

While these maidens may be an enchanting sight to sore eyes, they do have a downside.

They can choose who dies on the front lines and will grant that power if there is a soldier they don’t like.

kraken tattoos

kraken is not just a delicious spiced rum.

It’s also a legendary sea creature known for impressing sailors.

This giant octopus-like creature is an agent of confusion.

If you think an octopus tattoo is cliche, why not go crazy with a kraken tattoo?

This sea creature represents bangarang, perfect for someone who loves spooky stories.

Viking dragon tattoos

Dragons were a popular part of Viking decoration and featured on many surviving artifacts.

There are different myths of dragons within the canyon, but a Viking dragon tattoo design generally represents strength and bravery.

but it all depends on the dragon.

The word nidhogg was used in Viking culture to describe someone malicious or dishonorable.

the nidhogg is a dragon/serpent that came out of the pit and spends most of its time biting at the base of the yggdrasil, which could throw the world into chaos at any moment.

Nidhogg’s tattoos represent the idea of ​​falling from grace.

This creature is also known to shake yggdrasil universes.

Are you someone who likes to change things?

a nidhogg tattoo might be for you.

giant frost tattoos

Frost giants in Norse folklore are also known as jotnar.

are often represented as literal giants, which may be an oversimplification based on the English translation.

The Jotnar were forged alongside the Aesir (gods like Odin, Freyja, etc.) in a void of ice at the dawn of time.

They are opponents, often traveling to each other’s worlds to attack.

That said, there are also several romances between the aesir and the jotnar. In short, it’s complicated.

are you a non-conformist? Do you love challenging the powers that be?

As a member of the jotnar, loki himself would approve of your frost giant tattoo.

tupilaq tattoos

originally from greenland, the tupilaq is a kind of voodoo doll or doll.

Using magic and some bones they had collected, anyone could create a tupilaq, even if they weren’t a shaman.

once a person has made their tupilaq figurine, I would add something of that person.

The object would then be placed in a large body of water to find and kill that person.

a tupilaq tattoo can represent the desire for revenge or admiration for ancient magical practices.

zoomorphic themes

Most ancient belief systems are animistic, meaning they see a symbolic presence in objects and animals.

zoomorphic themes in Norse artwork echo this belief system when tools and decoration were carved with features and characteristics of different animals.

Having a Nordic animal tattoo can be your way of befriending the spirit of that animal, taking its qualities as your own.

Not sure what animal energy you vibrate with?

Here’s a handy guide to zoomorphic symbolism in Viking tattoos.

Viking bear tattoos

A viking bear tattoo is similar to a berserker tattoo in that you want to connect with the spirit of the bear.

Odin used to disguise himself as a bear when mingling with mortals, so a Viking bear tattoo represents his traits of wisdom, strength, and mysticism.

fenrir tattoos

In Norse mythology, Fenrir is a great giant wolf that cannot be held by any rope.

fenrir is a great wolf who will one day kill odin, and his sons will devour the sun.

It’s not hard to see why the dwarves built a magical rope to hold it.

If you’ve been through hardships, you can connect with the symbolism of the Norse wolf.

a tattoo of fenrir vs. odin can reflect how you feel about your own temporality.

A viking wolf tattoo could be a symbol of anguish, uniting against the powers that be.

Fenrir’s tattoos can also represent unrecognized potential.

skoll & hati tattoos

skoll and hati are the giant wolves descended from fenrir, currently on an eternal hunt.

odin flung them into the sky, causing one to chase the moon and the other the sun.

This keeps them busy for now, but eventually, they’ll catch up.

the devourer of the sun and the moon will be one of the events that will mark the beginning of ragnarok.

The symbolism of a skoll and hati tattoo could be a couple of things:

• can be a kind of yin/yang symbol for balance between opposing forces.
• It may be a memento mori for a dying planet.

ratatoskr tattoos

ratatoskr is a little red squirrel that runs up and down yggdrasil, shaking things up.

his official job title would be a mythological messenger.

runs between the nidhoggr dragon at the bottom of the tree and the eagle above.

the only thing is that ratatoskr has a bit of bitterness.

Unable to cause too much of a fuss himself, he gossips between these two, causing them to lose their temper.

we’ve all had a friend like that, right?

a ratatoskr tattoo can represent someone who likes to stir things up or someone who doesn’t mind shaking a few cages to get what they want.

Nordic owl tattoos

In Norse folklore, the owl is associated with frigga.

frigga represents love and destiny, and is a sky goddess.

He can see the future but he can’t change it, which gives him a kind of bird’s-eye view of life.

In the Viking Age, owls were symbolically significant due to their night vision.

They can be a human being’s guide through the darkness, either physically or symbolically speaking.

They are also said to guide lost souls to the underworld, a task Odin also takes on.

A Norse owl tattoo can represent a belief in destiny.

an owl tattoo can also serve as a reminder to look to the light in difficult times.

loki bird tattoos

loki once used freyja’s feathered cloak to disguise himself as a bird.

he flew over the worlds and finally landed on a wall near geirroð, the giant’s castle.

geirroð ordered his servant to search for the bird, and loki decided to wait until the last moment before flying.

this backfired when loki got stuck to the wall and was held in geirroð castle.

This story is a reminder against acting too arrogant or stirring things up for your own good.

gullinbursti tattoos

gullinbursti’s tattoos represent freyr’s trusted companion: a wild boar.

This boar was unlike any other boar, already a revered creature in Viking culture.

Like a magical boar, Gullinbursti glows in the dark, aiding Freyr in his quests.

A gullinbursti tattoo can represent the strength of a boar, fertility, or having an animal guide.

Viking horse tattoos

Broadly speaking, horses represent the concept of wilderness in Norse folklore.

The following tattoo designs are of sleipnir, odin’s favorite horse.

sleipnir is a beautiful gray horse that can run like the wind.

he was a fantastic runner; in fact, it could carry odin across the borders between worlds.

Viking horse tattoos represent wild beauty, strength and travel.

Viking raven tattoos

when in doubt, everything goes back to odin.

the father of all has two raven companions, hugin and munin.

in modern terms, odin’s ravens are like your iphone.

They travel the world and then whisper back to you everything they’ve seen.

In Odin’s eternal quest to know all there is to know, these birds are essential.

Viking raven tattoos represent worldly knowledge, education and travel.

In many cultures, ravens are considered the messengers of the deceased, so this can also make a nice memorial tattoo.

Viking deer tattoos

eikþyrnir is a deer that stands on the roof of valhalla, eating leaves from laerad, a tree that grows there.

He can create rivers and purify water with his horns.

This is one of the gentlest Viking symbols.

A Viking deer tattoo represents grace, purity and improvement.

Viking tattoo styles

The Viking Age went through a few phases with its artwork, and being aware of this aesthetic should help you find the right Viking tattoo style for you.

traditional viking tattoos

The tattoo styles we most commonly associate with the Vikings are the popular art styles of the time.

These elaborate carvings adorned wooden and metal items, often giving them a zoomorphic appearance.

These ornate items are what inspire traditional Viking tattoos.

These are some of the most common traditional Viking tattoo styles:

viking tattoos erase

borre is an artistic style that has been found on artifacts from iceland, england and russia.

These pieces are characterized by twisted shapes, with animal heads and legs.

was a style popular in Norse cultures between the late 9th and mid-10th centuries.

Viking Borre tattoos have common themes with popular Celtic tattoos, but with a little more room to breathe.

Viking mammal tattoos

after the borre style came the mammen pieces, inspired by other European representations of animals.

These pieces used to feature large panels with symbolic creatures, usually lions or birds.

the lines in mammen tattoos are curvy and sometimes asymmetrical.

oseberg viking tattoos

Oseburg art style dominated the 9th century.

features a “grabbing beast” theme where creatures within a piece come to life, grabbing at its edges.

this makes oseberg viking tattoos a popular style because they seem to interact with the wearer.

Viking tattoos

If you’re familiar with runes, you might recognize some shapes and ideas in these Viking tattoos.

The ringerike style developed in the 11th century and followed the popularity of runestones.

In these pieces animals and plants are mixed.

The animals in a ringerike piece tend to have plant-like attributes, long and curvaceous with tendril-like fur.

Viking urn tattoos

In the Urnes style of the mid-10th to 12th centuries, all of the above ideas seem to co-exist.

The most famous example of an urnes piece is on wood paneling in a church in urnes, norway.

In these pieces, the animals are long and twisted, circling one another and interacting with plant life.

modern viking tattoo styles

Let’s look at some possible tattoo styles to bring your Nordic tattoo to life.

While getting a traditional Viking-style tattoo is a good option, it can be just as fun to bring these ancient designs into the 21st century.

These modern Viking tattoos are a great way to breathe new life into ancient characters.

Take a look at our gallery below to see some of the best modern viking tattoo styles we’ve come across.

realistic viking tattoos

realism, or photorealism, is a “what you see is what you get” situation.

You will choose an image and your tattoo artist will do their best to ensure that your realistic viking tattoo looks exactly like that image.

Realistic tattoos are usually done in black and gray which has an outstanding vintage portrait effect.

but there are realistic tattoo artists who work in color, so there are options within the style.

These photorealistic portraits pay homage to the Vikings of today’s Western culture.

In a piece like this, every detail sizzles with electricity, and through the expression on a character’s face, you can instantly convey the meaning of your Viking tattoo.

These realistic viking tattoos also serve as business cards for other fans.

If you show your ink in everyday life, you will surely meet someone who likes the same movies and TV shows as you, which can lead to new connections.

realistic black & gray viking tattoos

if you want a photorealistic portrait of your favorite viking character, but you don’t like color very much, don’t worry!

Realistic black and gray viking tattoos are just as striking, sometimes even more so.

In a black and gray tattoo piece, it shines down to the last detail.

The sensation of depth and shadow that is created in these pieces is simply impressive.

neo-traditional viking tattoos

Neo-traditional Viking tattoos are cool to look at.

Neo-Traditional is a stunning style for epic characters because it’s somewhat realistic, but everyday colors and details are taken to surreal heights.

this is the perfect way to honor a heroic character.

Neo-traditional tattoos are characterized by soft, bold color fills, and your artist won’t shy away from black ink.

These brave neo-traditional Viking tattoos have a classic comic book style that works really well with the legendary theme.

It’s no wonder it’s become a tattoo style for stylized portraits.

A neo-traditional tattoo style uses bold lines and saturated color fills with a traditional American tattoo, but with more freedom of variation.

lines can be curved, some thinner than others, and a more modern color palette can be used.

The result is a tattoo that looks both modern and very much like a traditional tattoo in one.

Viking tattoos in black

Blackwork tattoos are not the same as black and grey.

In a black and gray tattoo, the black ink is diluted with water to create different shades of gray.

Then they are layered to create a realistic sense of depth and dimension.

A black work tattoo is more stylized and uses negative space or “skin breaks” to create the overall image of the tattoo.

In contrast to this negative space, black tattoos will feature wall-to-wall sections of deep black ink.

These hypersaturated black areas will take a long time to fade and you may not even notice when they do.

Viking tattoos in black will accompany you for a long time.

It is an excellent choice and is very well suited to Nordic tattoo motifs.

incomplete viking tattoos

Schematic style tattoos are a modern and innovative style that gives a piece a rough look around the edges.

Schematic tattoos have that raw, untamed quality that suits the toughness of these Viking characters so well.

An incomplete Viking tattoo will be deeply saturated and a bit rough around the edges, as if it has been ripped from an artist’s sketchbook.

If you’re the artistic type that thrives on disorder, sketch tattoos are perfect in their lack of polish.

Viking outline tattoos are usually done in black and gray and are a perfect choice for someone who wants something more stylized.

illustrative viking tattoos

Illustrative is a versatile term in the world of tattoo art.

As you can see in our gallery of illustrative Viking tattoos, this tattoo style can go in many directions.

Illustrative is a useful umbrella term for tattoos that feel “drawn” rather than photorealistic, but don’t fit into any of the above categories.

An illustrative tattoo style is one that feels drawn rather than realistic.

It’s a perfect choice for someone who wants a tattoo with a high visual aesthetic that feels more painterly.

illustrative viking tattoos are a good choice for someone who wants to pay homage to the wonderful comics of thor and other norse figures.

If you have a creative idea for a Viking tattoo that makes your heart sing, this is a style with no rules to follow.

so get creative and find the tattoo artist of your dreams for your illustrative viking tattoo.

engrave viking tattoos

Wood in Scandinavia is excellent for carving, which is why carpentry was such an important trade for the Vikings.

To this day, many people pay tribute to the Norse gods with carved wooden statues, ornate furniture, or wall decorations.

then it’s appropriate to consider incorporating some carpentry themes into your viking tattoo.

In an engraved tattoo, the lines and shadows create the illusion of an engraved or carved piece of skin.

Viking engraved tattoos are authentic and original.

If you’re someone who works with wood or just likes to incorporate natural elements into your art, this style of tattoo will suit you perfectly.

dotted viking tattoos

dot-work is a style of tattoo art inspired by pointillism, a post-impressionist style of art pioneered by george-pierre seurat in the late 19th century.

In pointillism tattoos, an artist uses thousands of dots that vary in size and density.

When these dots are placed together in a certain way, they create the illusion of a complete tattoo image.

The dots give this tattoo style a kind of ethereal vibe, something that works well for mythological characters.

Viking dot tattoos are usually done in black ink, although sometimes the style is mixed with other tattoo genres to create something completely original.

Watercolor tattoo style dot work, for example, could give you an interesting splash of color with the same artistic feel.

Mixing the dot work tattoo style with something akin to black work would give your Nordic tattoo a striking sense of contrast and dichotomy.

viking tattoo ideas

Vikings may not be exactly who we think they are, but they’re still cool.

There is so much to Norse Viking folklore that you are sure to find something that resonates with you.

Still not sure what type of Viking tattoo would suit you best?

check out our gallery for powerful inspiration!

little viking tattoos

Are you small but mighty?

Small viking tattoos don’t have to be less impressive than giant pieces on the back.

You can say a lot without saying much.

Look at the sheer power of these tiny Viking tattoos.

Small tattoos are perfect for tattoo collectors or those who work 9 to 5 and need to keep their rudeness under wraps at the office.

simple viking tattoos

Speaking of keeping it minimal, these simple Viking tattoos are striking in their subtlety.

If you’re not the super flashy type, you can still enjoy tattoo art your way with a sleek and stylish design.

You can always add more details later, but it’s harder to remove.

In the world of permanent tattoo art, starting simple can be a smart move.

Viking tattoo sleeves

Vikings are best known for their epic stories.

When you want your tattoo to tell a story, you need a placement that makes sense.

With a viking tattoo sleeve, you can take us from the birth of thor to ragnarok in the blink of an odin eye.

Some people choose to collect a tattoo sleeve over time, which looks great.

But there’s something to be said for laying out a plan from the start, doing everything you can on the first try.

Viking tattoo artists

Are you looking for a tattoo artist who can make your vision come true?

It pays to be picky in your search for the perfect match.

Here are some of our favorite Viking tattoo artists to get you started.

• uffe berenth
• sean parry

conclusion

so you’ve decided on an epic image for your viking tattoo.

Each design is open to interpretation, and you can play around with various runes or protective symbols, depending on what the tattoo is intended to mean to you.

are you a big fan of eating popcorn during the last thor movie?

Is it because you love the adventurous spirit of Norse mythology and want to express some of that yourself?

In a world where we forage for meat in supermarkets under fluorescent lights and start our most epic adventures from our couches, it’s easy to see why people have fallen in love with the Viking fantasy.

With a few exceptions, most Viking tattoos will be quite large.

To portray an epic Viking, you need to give him a bit of wiggle room.

If you have ties to Norse mythology and want to commemorate it with a tattoo or if you want something that feels illustrated and epic with great visual effect, consider a Viking tattoo.

frequently asked questions about viking tattoos

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