105 viking tattoos (and their meaning)

The Vikings were not only warriors, but also explorers and traders. They made long voyages across the North Atlantic, reaching Iceland, Greenland and even the coast of North America, for which they were awarded the title of the first European inhabitants of this continent. Their longships were outstanding engineering achievements of the time and allowed them to reach the most remote corners of the world.

One of the main aspects of Viking culture was the worship of gods. They believed in several gods, such as Odin, Thor and Loki, and performed religious rites and sacrifices to appease them and gain protection in voyages and battles.

Their way of life also included a developed system of social classes, agriculture, crafts and trade. They established extensive trading networks and were known for their quality metal products, including weapons, jewelry and household items.

The very concept of “Viking” was not always used to designate an ethnic group, but most often it denoted a certain way of life and occupation. Some scholars suggest that many of the "Vikings" may have come from different ethnic groups in the Scandinavian region, not just Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

Thus, the Vikings left an unforgettable mark on the history of their region and world history, leaving behind a rich cultural and historical heritage.

Did Vikings have tattoos?

The Vikings were famous not only for their sea voyages and military campaigns, but also for their tattooing traditions. According to legend, they covered their bodies with tattoos from their fingertips to the back of their necks. These tattoos depicted ancient Scandinavian symbols, knots or dark green tree symbols.

Sources do not leave precise descriptions of Viking tattoos, but it is assumed that they used symbols from Norse mythology and ancient patterns. These could be images of gods like Odin or Thor, symbols of strength, wisdom or protection. It is also possible that the Vikings used tattoos to reflect their social status, military prowess, or the memory of loved ones.

For the Vikings, tattoos were probably not only decoration, but also a kind of amulet protection and a symbol of their faith and culture. They may have used tattoos as a way of indicating their membership in a particular group or clan.

While the exact details of Viking tattoos remain a mystery, their cultural legacy and influence on the history of tattooing remains undeniable.

9 Viking tattoos and their meaning

1. Tattoo on the helmet with awe (Aegishjalmur)

The Helm of Awe is also known as Ægishjálmr. The drawing of this symbol consists of eight armed spades that start from a central point. This symbol represents protection and superpowers.

Many Viking warriors wore this symbol to go to war because they believed it would protect them and give them courage to defeat any enemies they would fight.

2. The tattoo is walnut.

Valknut is formed by three intertwined triangles with apex pointing up. In a large number of images, this sign appeared near Odin, which made him a symbol of this God. Many ancient Vikings believed that Valknut symbolized the reception of Odin's warriors arriving in Valhalla, a place reserved for the brave in Asgard.

In our society, the Valknut sign has become very popular in the design of jewelry, artifacts and tattoos. Many who wear this sign believe that they will receive help from Odin in overcoming life's difficulties.

3. Tattoo Iggdrasil.

Yggdrasil was the Great Tree in Norse mythology. This ash was considered the Tree of Life, which controlled the Nine Worlds and connected everything in the universe.

The symbol of Yggdrasil personified absolute power, deep knowledge and a mystical deity.

4. Tattoo with a hammer of Thor.

Thor's hammer was named after Mjolnir. In Norse mythology, this mighty hammer was held in such respect that no other weapon could match it. This hammer was associated with lightning, thunder and thunder.

For ordinary Vikings and warriors, this hammer was very important, because Mjolnir was the symbol of Thor - the most powerful of the gods and the best heart. The Vikings wore this amulet in battles and in everyday life.

This symbol gave them strength, courage and generosity. (See Mjolnir Hammer Tattoos)

5. Uroboros tattoo.

Ouroboros is a symbol of a snake biting its tail. Since "Oura" means tail and "Robos" means to eat, the meaning of the word might be "He who eats his own tail." If you have some Scandinavian knowledge, you probably know that this symbol was the symbol of Jormungand, the Norse serpent of Midgard, whose father was Loki, the famous deceiver.

The Ouroboros symbol expresses the unity of everything spiritual and material. It also represents an eternal cycle of rebirth and destruction.

6. Tattoo troll cross

This symbol was very popular and was present in many Viking houses. The power of this cross was to protect against evil trolls, demons and negative vibrations that could be in the environment.

7. Wyrd canvas tattoo

Wyrd's web, or a symbol of the fate of the Vikings, was a powerful sign in the form of runes. It was created by the Norns, the goddesses of fate, who weaved the fate of all creatures. This symbol was a reminder that the actions of the past affect the present and that the present can affect the future. This was usually a sign of general interconnectedness.

8. Vegvisir tattoo

Vegvisir means "pointer" or "one who finds the way." The Vikings carried Vegvisir with them, because they believed that he would guide them, allowing them to reach their destination. Whether at sea or somewhere else, this sign will bring them home safe and sound.

Some people these days think that Vegivisir tattoos will keep them on the wrong path in life.

9. Tattoo with runes

Runes were the common alphabetical system of the Vikings. But in fact, they were not used for communication purposes: the runes were usually used to summon the gods and ask them for help.