Top 55 Best Norse Wolf Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

The wolf most associated with Norse tattoo comes via the giant wolf Fenrir. 

Dictionary.com defines Fenrir as: “a wolflike monster, a son of Loki and Angerboda, chained by Gleipnir but destined to be released at Ragnarok to eat Odin and to be killed by Vidar.” 

Most realism style interpretations of Norse wolf tattoos feature Fenrir, snarling and violent, either chained or breaking free from his shackles. 

A wolf tattoo is a great way to display strength, familial loyalty and devotion. The wolf is a pack animal. For every lone wolf on the prowl, there are ten more who work within their family unit. 

Wolves are fierce, naturally loyal creatures that hunt together and rely on each other for survival. They have a clearly defined family structure with clearly articulated roles and responsibilities. 

Some people get their family wolf pack tattoo, a single wolf paw tattoo, or protective image of the snarling, angry wolf. 

Combining the Old Norse words vegur (way or road) and visir (pointer), the literal meaning of Vegvisir is to point the way. According to the Huld Manuscript – an Icelandic collection compiled in 1880 – the symbol was quite powerful.

If carried, the Vegvisir would keep a person on track through storms and all types of bad weather, even if they didn’t know where they were going. 

The valknut is three interconnected triangles, whose name was coined by the Old Norse words valr, meaning ‘slain warriors’, and knut, meaning ‘knot’. The exact meaning behind the symbol is unknown but has had several explanations supposed by Norse Mythology scholars. 

It is mainly believed to have been used by Germanic Pagans, as it appears on many objects during the 8th and 9th century, the time of their existence. It is also supposed to represent the power of Odin, who had the ability to ‘bind and unbind’ a person’s mind during battle. 

Because the symbol often appears on burial gifts during these time periods, it is assumed that it is associated with death and the afterlife. 

An alpha wolf is known for howling at the moon to communicate with other wolves. A howling wolf tattoo represents strength, free spiritedness, and a connection to being wild, free, and unfettered.  

Some individuals can feel like a rebellious lone wolf in society. The concept of being free and wild is quite liberating. A wolf is truly one with nature, roaming the wilderness with the ability to protect itself and survive on its own.  

Some interpret this as protecting a secret or carrying a burden.