Nordic arm tattoos stretch beyond designs featuring bearded and helmeted warriors armed to the teeth and spoiling for a fight. The seafaring Scandinavians travelled so widely that their diaspora has had a huge influence on tattoo traditions and themes over much of Europe. Nordic folklore and mythology continues to be popular as a base for literature, film, and body art;...
The Vikings had a great respect for the wolves of the forest, with many involved in traditional folklore and tales as violent but strong characters with great ties to the warrior ideals of family, strength, and courage. The most famous of Norse wolves is Fenrir, a tremendous subject for a variety of Norse wolf tattoo designs. The following gallery is a brilliant collection of Norse wolf tattoos which tie...
Rooted deep in ancient Norse mythology, the ravens Huginn and Muninnn are a powerful tattoo choice for the thoughtful and wise. These godly birds capture the mystique and brilliance of the old viking gods and give your ink a clever connotation. Ravens are a deeply symbolic animal across many cultures, both ancient and modern. As some of the most intelligent...
In the Poetic Edda's epic poem Fáfnismál, it is proclaimed that: "The Helm of Awe - I wore before the sons of men - In defense of my treasure; Amongst all, I alone was strong, I thought to myself, For I found no power a match for my own." In Norse mythology, the helm of awe--eight spiked tridents radiating from...
What better way to show off your badassery and skill in combat than to get a tattoo of Ragnar from the hit TV show Vikings? The name Ragnar alone could inspire fear in the hearts of men, so getting a tattoo of this beast of a man will only inspire even more fear. A fierce warrior, Ragnar is one of...
A Norse charm also known as the Vegvísir, the Viking compass derives its name from an ancient Icelandic manuscript. The symbol became known as "the sign post," a charm to guide one through treacherous weather and terrain without getting lost. In recent years, the Viking compass has sparked new interest, and is now a much-revered tattoo art subject. The Viking...
In ancient times, Viking warriors would often call upon their Gods before a raid, or when going into battle. They would ask for fortune, fame, and glory from a pantheon of powers, each of whom was acknowledged as being capable of extending gifts in response to the presence of their favored virtues. Thor, with his mighty hammer Mjolnir, was the...
The Vikings were historically Norsemen from Scandinavia who've existed roughly around the eighth until the 11th century. The word "Viking" comes from Old Norse which roughly translates to "a pirate raid." Hence, they weren't originally known for their brotherly and unified culture, but mostly for their raids and pillaging across Europe. Odin is a well-known figure in Norse heritage and...
Whether you want to invoke meaningful symbolism or don wicked geometrical lines with your body artwork, the valknut tattoo is an increasingly popular modern form of ink to select. It is aesthetically minimal and versatile, but it is also packed with substance. The tattoo form that has its roots in Norse mythology is also known as Hrungnir’s heart, Knot of...
A seductive sense of sea-faring wonder is wildly encapsulated with a Kraken tattoo. This monstrous creature comes with a variety of enticing connotations that will quickly wow onlookers on countless levels. Norse mythology will come to life when you pursue the maddeningly austere sensation of Kraken body art. This gigantic aquatic beast is an iconic symbol of ancient maritime mystique....
