Viking Tattoo
89 Viking Tattoo Ideas and Their Meanings
Between 700 and 1100 AD, the Vikings lived in the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark...), and they were valiant warriors. Their main goal was to conquer all of Europe, the North Atlantic, and Asia. However, they were people who had a strong belief in certain realities of their environment or tradition, and they took them very seriously. These were the ancient Norse symbols to which they were attached and which were very significant to them. The Vikings used these symbols to tattoo themselves with the intention of protecting themselves from danger, finding the strength and courage to go into battle, to control and to dominate others... Viking tattoos were not done randomly; they were based on certain Norse symbols of their time. And these symbols from Norse mythology or others all have an appropriate meaning.
The Aegishjalmur Tattoo or Helmet of Awe
Do you see the message conveyed by this tattoo's secondary name, "the Helmet of Awe"? It's powerful. This tattoo was mostly worn by Viking warriors as a charm for protection and courage, at least that's what they believed. Yes, the Aegishjalmur tattoo, which depicts eight armed spikes all emanating from a single central point, is seen as a shield and an extraordinary power.
It therefore protects against the assaults of opponents and even gives the strength to fight bravely and defeat one's enemy. Having this tattoo, you tend to be somewhat immunized against fear and failure, which excited them to fight battles, regardless of the challenge.
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The Valknut Tattoo
The depiction of the Valknut symbol shows three interlocked triangles pointing their tips upwards (towards the sky). Generally, this symbol seems to be a very close representation of Odin, which has led it to be considered a particular sign of this god. In Viking traditions, this symbol represented the welcome that the god Odin reserved for warriors, and this is how they applied it. Some warriors wear the Valknut tattoo
in the hope of returning from war and being welcomed by their families and loved ones in Valhalla, a place dedicated to the brave in Asgard by Odin.
Furthermore, it can be recognized that the Valknut symbol is very popular for creating designs of jewelry, tattoos, or artifacts. In the hope of receiving help from the god Odin to easily overcome life's challenges, most of our fellow citizens...
The Yggdrasil Tattoo
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil represented the largest tree in history and was considered the tree of life. This tree controls the nine worlds and promotes the connection of everything with our universe. It seems like the architect of the eventualities of this world that connects one thing to another in this life to give meaning to its existence.
The Yggdrasil symbol meant to the Vikings absolute power, mystical deity, and deep knowledge; in a word, a supreme and mysterious faculty that no one can grasp. All those who wore the Yggdrasil symbol tattoo believed themselves capable of taming the world and being the master of every situation.
The Thor's Hammer Tattoo
Here we are talking about a legendary hammer from Norse mythology that was as powerful as no other weapon could match during the Viking era. This mythical hammer owed its name, Thor's Hammer, to Mjölnir; it was associated with storms, thunder, and lightning. A sign that speaks volumes about its hyper-powerful nature. For all Vikings in general, and Viking warriors in particular, Thor's Hammer was of paramount importance just because of what Mjölnir represented for Thor.
He was the most powerful of the gods of the Viking era and the only one who had a brave and wonderful heart. That is why the Vikings engraved on their jewelry or for their Thor's Hammer tattoo in order to be in the good graces of the gods, especially that of this powerful and benevolent god. Individual Vikings wore it everywhere in their daily lives while Viking warriors considered it their war armor and wore it on themselves for every battle.
This quite extraordinary symbol in Norse mythology embodied for the Vikings power, generosity, and bravery (courage). So, understand why Viking warriors should have this tattoo at all costs instead of engraving it on jewelry? They must therefore carry it with them at all times to be sure not to leave it behind by mistake.
The Ouroboros Serpent Tattoo
This symbol shows us a serpent biting its own tail as its name suggests. Unfortunately, we do not know the Old Norse dialect, otherwise, you would have decrypted it very easily.
However, understand that ‘’ouro’’ or ‘’oura’’ means "tail" in French, while ‘’robos’’ simply translates to "eat," and the whole terminology could mean "the one who eats its own tail." By adopting a bit of the Nordic tradition, we notice that this symbol represented the Nordic serpent of Midgard, Jormungandr, whose father was Loki, a very popular and undeniable trickster.
Wherever you encounter the Ouroboros sign, know that it represented in Norse mythology the unity of all things spiritual and physical. It is sometimes referred to as the symbol of the infinite cycle of destruction and recognition. Others see it as the symbol of self-destruction.
The Troll Cross Tattoo
The Troll Cross symbol is the most present in the lives of all Vikings, it was found in almost all the dwellings of the Viking era. Why was this symbol so precious in the eyes of the Vikings that almost every house had it? We can start by telling you that it is a symbol that protects against negative forces, whatever their nature. This cross possessed a kind of superpower that protected against evil spirits, bad trolls, negative vibrations, or even demons that might venture into your environment.
You are trying to understand with us in what sense the Vikings tattooed it on their bodies. Instead of having it only in the room or house, the Vikings preferred to have it on them wherever their requirements took them. The Troll Cross tattoo was the favorite of Viking warriors as well as travelers in order to be safe from dark forces and to have all the chances of succeeding in their enterprise.
The Wyrd Web Tattoo
Wyrd Web is the Viking symbol of destiny that helps everyone to truly follow the path that is predestined for them. It is not just any sign in Norse etymology, it embodies immense power that we cannot qualify. However, we can confirm that it was drawn in the form of runes. The design of the Wyrd Web was exclusively entrusted to the Norns, which could be called the goddesses of fate, who were responsible for shaping the destiny of each being.
For easier understanding, just remember that it is a sign that made people aware of the fact that past actions affect the present, and present actions likewise affect the future. It is the sign of the universal and perpetual interconnectedness of all things.
The Vegvisir Tattoo
We are in the presence of the ''indicator'' symbol or the sign that ''helps to find the right path''. So to always stay on the right path and not deviate from it, the Vikings preferred to wear the Vegvisir on them to be sure to arrive at the right destination.
The Viking Runes Tattoo
The runes represent the Viking alphabet, Viking Runes are the alphabet and writing system invented and used by the Norse. The origin of the runes dates back to the raids carried out by the Norse in Europe, and more particularly in Southern Italy.
The Triple Horn of Odin Tattoo
Also called Odin's horn, this Viking emblem is very sacred. It consists of three intertwined drinking horns that represent the presence of the 3 currents of air of the magical mead. This symbol is worn as a sign of faith and commitment to Astru, which is also the path of wisdom, inspiration, and eloquence in the service of the protective god.
On the other hand, this symbol is in some way the presence of Kvasir's blood "the brew" which is found in these horns in its natural state. It is a drink that was at the source of mead and which conferred the power of poetry.
The Hugin and Munin Tattoo
Hugin and Munin, are two ravens that constantly and incessantly accompany the god Odin, signifying thought and memory respectively. These ravens represented Odin's ears in Midgard and on the battlefields. Wearing this tattoo simply allows the Vikings to be in connection with Odin.
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