Vikings have become so popular through the years, even during today’s culture, as we’re seeing them everywhere. The popular TV show of the same name is one of the few that instantly comes to mind – which is why it is quite natural for people to join the Viking tattoo craze.
Some of the questions that you might be asking now are: what should I know about Vikings before getting any tattoos? Who were they and what do they mean to us? How should I choose my perfect Viking tattoo design?
Perhaps you have your own Viking tattoo ideas but aren’t sure if they convey the true meaning you’re striving for. Make sure to read on, as we will help you answer those questions!
Who Were They?
The mighty Norsemen we refer to as Vikings were actually from Scandinavia. As an entity, they had existed from the 8th to 11th century and were a true menace to the rest of the world. They were known for raiding and pillaging the whole of Europe.
Even the very word “Viking” comes from Old Norse language and it roughly translates to “a pirate raid.” Thor and Loki may be some of the most popular mythical characters in our times, but there’s so much more than that if you dig a little deeper.
Advertisement
We can’t really claim that Vikings wore any tattoos, but it’s very likely that some of them did actually get inked.
The mystique of the Viking beliefs and culture still radiates strongly today. It’s quite common among people with Norse heritage to show their roots by having a Viking tattoo.
Advertisement
Which Way to Go?
You could go for the obvious option which probably includes butch men with long blond hair, beard, mustache, and wearing a horned helmet. Sure, that looks mighty and powerful, but you should know that Vikings didn’t actually wear horned helmets.
They were smart and practical, especially when it came to choosing weapons and armor for their battles.
Advertisement
Instead, you can opt for the less obvious way and go fully authentic and mythical. Vikings wore their tattoos mostly on their fingers and their shoulders. The knot works similar to modern Celtic tattoo designs, which were the usual order of the day.
Viking Tattoos and Their Meanings
Quite a few traditional motifs from Norse mythology find their ways into Viking tattoos. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular ones.
Photo Gallery
If you want a Viking tattoo, we can provide you with some of the most stunning designs out there.
Out of ideas? Don’t like what’s already out there? We can help you with that, too!
1. A Viking pattern wrist tattoo.
2. Another wrist tattoo with a Viking-influenced design
3.
4. A Viking heroine tattoo
5. A tattoo featuring a Viking helmet worn by a skull.
6. A large sleeve tattoo featuring Viking-inspired detail.
7. A Viking compass tattoo (Vegvisir).
8. A ribcage tattoo with a Viking-influenced design
9. A Vegvisir tattoo.
10. A tattoo of the Viking god, Odin.
11.
12. A Valknut tattoo.
13.
14. A large Viking pattern tattoo.
15. Another tattoo featuring the Viking god, Odin.
16. A Viking-inspired tattoo featuring the Valknut, a spear, and Viking writing.
17. A sketch-like Viking snake tattoo.
18. A Viking snake and compass (Vegvisir) tattoo.
19. A leg tattoo featuring Viking runes.
20. A tattoo of a forest with Viking patterns.
21. An intricate tattoo of the Vegvisir.
22. A tattoo featuring an image of a Viking going into a sea battle.
23. A Viking snake tattoo inked on the arm.
24. A tattoo on the sleeve with a raven and Yggdrasil.
25. A minimalist tattoo with Viking influences.
26.
27. A Valknut tattoo with a tree as detail.
28. Another Vegvisir tattoo with Viking writings around it.
