The Vikings were much more than plunderers and barbarians. These were complex individuals; farmers, skilled seafarers, believers in destiny and the balance of the universe, and keen travelers. Their lifestyle and beliefs have served as inspiration for literature, films, and tattoos. Although little historical evidence exists to confirm that the Vikings were heavily tattooed, this belief is widely accepted. Their notorious reputation is associated with strength, bravery, and fearlessness, and their symbols are meaningful and beautiful, making tor a fantastic inking. For those with Scandinavian ancestry, it can be a way to honor their heritage; for others, it can be a celebration of these people’s values. Or a thought-provoking design inspired by destiny, beliefs, or mythology. Keep reading to become to find out all you need to know.
1. Traditional Viking Tattoo
Body art was a way to establish a social hierarchy, a means of expression and personal identification, and also had the ability to instill fear in others. Many people are drawn to Traditional Viking tattoos to honor the notorious raiders and warriors of the Medieval world. If you opt for this approach, you will likely choose something large and detailed; this can be several images that tell a story or a series of intricate patterns and symbols. The warriors were known to cover up much of their bodies with ink, so they choose a location that is large enough to allow for detailing. A great choice would be the shoulder and arm, or the chest and back.
2. Viking Valknut Tattoo
While many Viking symbols involve complex designs, some are simple, like the Valknut. It is made up of three interlocking triangles with nine points, which represent the afterlife. You may choose this because you want to show you are not afraid of death; you contemplate morality or the balance between life on earth and the heavens. It can also be worn as a protective symbol. Deciding to get a Valknut tattoo is an excellent choice for someone who prefers a more minimalist approach to body art, and it is perfect as a first piece or tenth piece. In addition, it can also be inked anywhere on the body, from the chest to the wrist, because it is not a design that requires a lot of space for detailing.
3. Viking The Helm of Awe Tattoo
The Helm of Awe or Aegishjalmur is one of the most popular choices for a Viking-inspired tattoo. Not only is it fascinating to look at, but it is also rich in symbolism; it is a magical stave that warriors wore as a symbol of protection, but they also believe it gave them strength and courage and helped them to victory in battle. It may have been inked between their eyebrows or somewhere exceptionally visible, although you do not have to opt for a location that is quite so daring. This striking piece is also a conversation starter, so choose your placement wisely and wear it with pride.
4. Viking Thor Hammer Tattoo
Thor’s hammer, also known as mjölnir, is associated with power, thunder, and lightning. It is believed that Thor was using the weapon to defeat giants, and deciding on a tattoo of it will represent courage, strength, and bravery. He was the protector of Asgard, so it can also be worn as a protective symbol. This is a fantastic choice for someone who views themselves as having or valuing these qualities or wants the world to know that that will protect what they care about at all costs.
5. Viking Web of Wyrd Tattoo
One of the best things about Viking tattoos is that they are so interesting and unique. Each piece is intriguing to look at and they are also rich in symbolism. The Web of Wyrd is an interwoven line design that represents the past, present, and future. It is also a connection of the fates and how each decision we make can directly influence the outcome of our lives. The Vikings strongly believed that they were bound to a predetermined destiny, which may have been one of the reasons they lived so fearlessly. It can serve as a reminder to the wearer to live well, choose wisely and be without regrets. Or it can be a way to let go of the things that hold you back. The simplicity of the design makes it a great choice if you want a smaller tattoo and if it can be inked anywhere on the body.
6. Viking Troll Cross Tattoo
During the Viking era, there was the belief that trolls and elves existed. There was a powerful symbol, the troll cross, which could be worn as an amulet to protect the wearer from danger and provide safety to keep themselves from these creatures. It appears rounded at the top, with the two bottom pieces crossing over. A troll cross tattoo can be a way to ward off negative energy or be a reminder to avoid people and things that will do you harm.
7. Viking Rune Tattoo
If you want your body art to tell a story, then opting for a rune tattoo is a wonderful way to do this. The runes are an ancient Viking alphabet of sorts designed to describe places and things. There are 24 of them, each with important symbolism. These include representations for Odin and Yggdrasil. You can combine several runes to create meaningful ink or opt for a single one. Thanks to the relative simplicity of these symbols, it is easy to recreate them in several sizes, either big or small, which gives you the option to play around with placement options. Maybe you love finger tattoos, in which case this is fantastic. Or perhaps you want a large piece along your rib or spine? The choice is yours.
8. Viking Ouroboros Tattoo
Many symbols represent rebirth, continuity, and the circle of life, but none are as striking as an ouroboros tattoo. The image shows a giant snake in a circular shape, eating its tail. With these pieces comes powerful symbolism, as it represents eternity, life and death, and renewal. In addition to the meaning, it also makes for an interesting design that will likely become a conversation starter. You may want to add to the importance of your ink by opting to combine several images, for example, by adding Viking runes. This can make your design even more personal and unique.
9. Viking Yggdrasil Tattoo
If you want a tree of life tattoo design that is meaningful and beautiful, then you need a Yggdrasil tattoo. In Norse mythology, the sacred tree connects all nine worlds in its branches and roots and thus represents everything in the universe. It is a powerful symbol associated with harmony, cosmos, power, wisdom, and destiny. Although the image on its own makes for a stunning tattoo, you can tailor it to your tastes by adding various images. This may be of ravens, runes, or intricate patterns.
10. Vegvisir Viking Compass Tattoo
Vegvisir Viking Compass tattoos are an excellent option for someone who wants body art associated with guidance, direction, and protection. The object was also thought to bring good luck on journeys and help the individual to weather any storms or difficulties that came their way. It is created with eight rune staves and was intended to guide the Vikings at sea, but it could also help them make important choices in life. Anyone who wants to remind themselves of the importance of staying on the right path or feels they need help finding their way will be drawn to this piece.
11. Viking Huginn and Muninn Tattoo
The Viking world was filled with fascinating stories and beliefs, and in Norse mythology, the ravens Huginn and Munnin played an important role. They are closely connected to Odin, and in a way, they represent an all-seeing eye, as they can watch over Midgard for the god and provide him with information. Often shown perched upon Odin’s shoulders, these intelligent birds represent the mighty god’s power and presence. Huginn is connected with memory, and Munnin is associated with thought. You can get inked with both ravens together and possibly with an image of Odin or a Viking warrior. Or you could choose two limbs that are next to each other, for example, the legs of arms. This is a way to show two separate concepts that are still connected.
12. Viking Berserker Tattoo
If you want to make a powerful statement about strength, fury, and fearlessness, then a Viking berserker tattoo is exactly what you need. There were formidable warriors known as berserkers in the Viking age, who were incredibly skilled and fought without fear. They are believed to have gone into battle with an uncontrollable rage. It is thought that they fought in a trance-like state and were intimidating. For someone who wants to show their world that they are not to be messed with or admire the courage these warriors had, this is the design for you.
13. Viking Warrior Tattoo
The Vikings are often remembered as barbarians and plunderers, but they are also celebrated for their fearlessness and skill. A Viking warrior tattoo can honor the strength and bravery of these individuals and send a message to the world that you are fierce and determined. One of the best options for this design is hyper-realistic ink. The detailing is beautiful but also makes your piece more intimidating. You can add Viking runes, symbols, and weapons to make your body art more unique.
14. Viking Axe Tattoo
Of the many weapons that the Vikings used, the axe was the most common. Deciding on an axe tattoo is a great way to symbolize protection, bravery, courage, and power. These axes can have beautiful patterns on them, making them meaningful and interesting to look at. Due to the shape of the axe, it is best to choose a large enough placement to allow for the detail of the design. Arms and legs, because of their shape, are the perfect spot. That said, you can get creative with your design and incorporate other images into it as well. For example, a Viking holding the axe. The combination will change the meaning of your body art slightly.
15. Viking Skull Tattoo
A skull tattoo is a universally recognized symbol of death. This may seem like a morbid option for body art, but it makes a powerful statement about how the wearer either doesn’t fear death or accepts that it is part of the life cycle. Maybe you want to show that you are not afraid or remind yourself that death is inevitable, so you should live life well. To tailor this image to a Viking-inspired design, you may wish to include ravens, symbols, or runes. The result is a striking and meaningful piece.
