50+ Traditional Viking Tattoos for Men and Viking Tattoo Ideas
Traditional Viking tattoos for men are very popular in Europe.
Vikings have a lot of history in Europe and eastern countries. Vikings were famed for their courage and strength. Bravery in battle and sailing for the unknown. So, in this article, we will see some of the best traditional Viking tattoos for men.
Traditional Viking tattoos for men are very popular among men and even women, because they have x factor and have mystical meaning.
Why Do We Have Misconceptions About Vikings?
With not everyone has their knowledge, many misconceptions revolve around the Vikings from the 13th century. The Vikings age was from around 793-1066 AD. Most of the Viking’s history was written by their enemies or Catholics and Christians who do not agreed with their beliefs.
What Did the Vikings Believe In?
Many Viking’s symbols came from their beliefs. They were basically German pagans. Believed in Norse mythology, which is a polytheistic network of gods and giants. The believed in dimensions and realms. According to them, at the centre of these realms was an enchanted ash tree known as Yggdrasil. A system of a “tree of life” they made reference to. These faith systems include Jewish, Egyptians and Chinese mythology.
Tree of life tattoos are very popular in spiritual circles.
But when the people of Britain first saw the Vikings at the shore, they welcomed them, however, the Vikings fought the locals and burned down the buildings to the ground. Britain’s started to call them invaders of ‘Danes’, but they came from Norway and Sweden as well as Denmark.
Naturally, some took inspiration from the Vikings and by taking the admiration to the next level, by getting a freaking Viking tattoo designs inked on their bodies. The Vikings depict bearded warriors, weapons and shields, ships and much more.
There are many people around the globe which take admiration from Vikings to the next level by getting a Viking themed tattoo. These tattoos depict warriors, strength, shields, large ships and countless Viking imagery. As Viking are brave and fearless, there tattoos also signify bravery, fearlessness. And some acknowledge their lineage to Scandinavia and other parts of Northern Europe.
Viking tattoo meaning
But more than the meaning, traditional Viking tattoos for men look badass and cool AF! They are very intimidating, immediately will get your attention without being to violet or grotesque. They are filled with pride, strength and history. They depict the heroes with long hairs and conviction in their eyes.
Also, Nordic tattoos are also very famous. With their cool writing style, many notable writers like JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and Jules Verne etc, have all used their valued alphabets in their novels and stories. These Runes used to write both Germanic and Welsh languages.
If books of literature and history can become fascinating pieces of art then, these ancient symbols can become on your body too! Although Nordic tattoo designs are not from Viking times, but are inspired from Norse mythological objects, animals, symbols and weapons.
Let’s take a dig more at meanings and significance of traditional Viking tattoos for men, so it becomes easier for you to choose your next tattoo!
WHO WERE THE VIKINGS?
Viking existed from eight to 11th centuries. Norsemen from Scandinavia become the Vikings, not because of culture but because of the raids they conducted across all over Europe. The word “Viking” means “a pirate raid” in old Norse.
DID THE VIKINGS HAVE TATTOOS?
There is no image or portrait of Viking themselves having any tattoo, it is believed that some may have them.
What do traditional Viking tattoos for men mean?
Vikings generally signifies strength, pride and fearlessness. There ships symbolize the journey of life, with all kinds of storms and clear skies. The man having the tattoo is the captain of the ship and does his best to protect everyone.
However, all tattoo has particular significance to each person, irrespective what they actually it meant. Only a few will get the real meaning behind a tattoo as it is the result of very private moment or struggle.
DID THE VIKINGS HAVE TATTOOS?
There is no image or portrait of Viking themselves having any tattoo, it is believed that some may have them.
What do traditional Viking tattoos for men mean?
Vikings generally signifies strength, pride and fearlessness. There ships symbolize the journey of life, with all kinds of storms and clear skies. The man having the tattoo is the captain of the ship and does his best to protect everyone.
However, all tattoo has particular significance to each person, irrespective what they actually it meant. Only a few will get the real meaning behind a tattoo as it is the result of very private moment or struggle.
Why are traditional Viking tattoos for men popular amongst men?
Vikings have a very intrigued personality, fearlessness and life choices. A man who gets Viking tattoo ideas can obtain the desired strong and badass look. Though it could also mean, the man is interested in history, so such tattoos are perfect for various kinds of men.
Traditional Viking Tattoo Ideas
By being famed for their strength and courage, in battle of approaching towards the unknown while sailing.
Mjolnir Tattoo
Mjolnir is the hammer of Thor, in Norse mythology, the Norse god associates with thunder. Mjolnir is depicted as most fearsome weapons in Norse mythology.
Viking Tattoo Sleeves
Vikings Tattoos for men for show
Viking as a compass is a great and unique way to give a mysterious look. Mentioned in Icelandic manuscript. It is supposed the keep the wearer safe in all types of weather and keeps them from getting lost. Helps traveller, to know where are the going, into the unknown.
Nordic compass tattoos incorporate runes at the end of each line. These can used to call the place you call home or the name of a loved one. You can get a Nordic compass tattoo and the look great on any body part. The back and chest are very popular for them if you are looking for a bigger piece. Remember that precise linework and blackwork are the main essential for bold Viking compass. Each rune should be crisp and readable.
While Celtic knotwork is kind of similar too but the Norse took a slightly different take. They used the look of Celtic knotwork and put them in their own spin on it. Nordic tattoo doesn’t have any continuous knotwork and often makes a person or object the star of the design instead of knotwork itself.
Not many people are familiar with Norse tattoo, they might assume that yours in Celtic in origin. Have a quick explanation ready, and you will be teaching them something new and a great way to show your new tattoo.
Forearm is considered the best place to get a Viking tattoo designs. Whether they are depictions of Viking or their lifestyle, a forearm tattoo is an ideal location or storytelling.
Forearm is an easily viewed area. Simultaneously, it is a relatively simple area to cover up if need be, assuming one is comfortable wearing long sleeves. So as, not everyone is required to cover their tattoos, forearm becomes the more attractive as a sport to place your new Viking Tattoo designs.
To get the best quality of your Viking tattoo designs, you need to get more artistic styles and a technique called dotwork. Good blackwork lines make up many of the best Viking tattoos for men. Try to avoid any sort of blotchy fades tend to create Norse Tattoos. Although this is true across virtually every tattoo design.
While we tend to think that Viking lifestyle is very harsh, filled with storms, endless greys, blacks and cold misty landscapes, this is not true. Sure, there is a lot of fog, but there are clear skies too! Get colourful with your Norse Tattoo ideas.
With great quality blackwork lines you can add colours to get the maximum impact out of your tattoo. A splash of red is way to suggest blood in the battles, while also making the tattoo design pop up more.
But one tattoo caught my eye, which is the Viking tribal fusion piece. Often including mix of styles, Viking as warriors incorporated with various tribal symbols and patterns. These are strong and badass tattoos for sure. not all tattoo combinations work well, think twice on your design, but the element of Viking and tribal tattoos are undoubtedly a good fit.
VIKING SYMBOL TATTOOS
Not all Viking symbols have to rugged bearded men with their weapons. For those who want to lore more, they could incorporate Viking Symbols into the artwork they already have on their body.
Valknut tattoo
what do these lines symbolize isn’t fully understood, but there are obviously many theories about it. Many believed it may haven been used in religious practices related to death. While English antiquarian and academic Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson theorized it connect with god Odin and mental binds, meaning he could make men helpless in battle, or he could loosen the tension of fear and strain.
OUROBOROS TATTOOS
In ancient times, the Ouroboros, a snaking eating its own tale, in Norse mythology it is the serpent Jormungandr, one of the three children of Loki and Angrboda.
TRADITIONAL VIKING TATTOOS FOR MEN 2020
These are the best traditional Viking tattoos for men and best Viking tattoo Ideas 2020!
Do you like tattoos? Then show us your tattoos on Instagram or twitter with the hashtag #thefashionwolf
If you like this article then share it with your friends, and message or tag us on your stories!
Check out these articles to –
- Business Casual Men
- Forearm Tattoos
- Short Haircuts for Women
- Short Haircuts for men
- Clean Shaven Look for Men
- Beard styles for Men