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.

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.

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.

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.

Odin

Probably the most popular of all, he’s usually depicted as a strong man with thick, braided hair and a horned helmet. Why do people get Odin tattoos? Because they stand for nobleness, principle, and a strong reputation. Simple as that.

Loki

Loki is usually designed as a man with a horned head and some skeletal features. Loki is almost always presented as a malevolent creature, so it’s popular among those who want to come across as bad boys.

Ouroboros

One of the most popular Viking tattoo designs, it basically represents a snake that eats its own tale. The name is actually derived from the ancient Greek language and it roughly translates to “one who eats his own tale.” People usually want this one on their bodies because it represents the cyclic renewal of eternal life.

Valknut

These are actually three tattoos interlocked within each other. Historically speaking, its true roots can’t be traced back precisely, but some scholars claim that this symbol was strongly associated with death.

Thor’s Hammer

Widely used in Viking tattoo designs, it usually presents the power he has over thunder and lightning. Sometimes people opt for this design as they want it to represent protection.

Berzerker

A slightly complicated symbol, it is usually a design chosen by those who consider themselves true winners. It represents an art of fighting, very energetic and often deadly. It suggests that you can defeat any type of rival.

The world of Viking and Norse mythology is a vast one, so it really has something for everyone. Choosing the right tattoo design may not be easy but looking behind the design certainly helps. You shouldn’t choose a Viking tattoo based only on its looks and then find out when it’s too late that you don’t really like what it stands for.

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