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Viking tattoos: symbolism of warlike Scandinavians

The peoples who inhabited Northern Europe marked their bodies with symbols, thus emphasizing the various qualities of warriors (strength, dexterity, courage). These people traveled a lot, establishing trade relations with other countries.

Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the most popular Viking tattoo themes is ships: the Normans were remembered in history for their bravery and belligerence. Overcoming oceans and seas, they reached the shores of Iceland, Greenland and North America.

The Vikings had a very rich mythology and culture, which has recently become more and more popular among body painting enthusiasts.

Perhaps this is the main reason that pictures on the body depicting the symbols of the Normans are done in almost every professional tattoo parlor.

Plots and symbols of viking tattoos

It is difficult to accurately convey the meaning of the drawings that the northerners depicted on their bodies. However, the general meaning of Viking tattoos can still be determined: these tattoos emphasize such human qualities as courage, courage, courage, etc.

Among the most popular subjects:

  • drawings of ships, hinting at the love of the Normans for exploring unconquered lands;
  • images of mighty warriors in armor with axes and swords, emphasizing the valor and courage of the Scandinavians;
  • drawings of the Valkyrie picking up fallen warriors from the battlefield and sending them to Valhalla.

Viking tattoos are often found geometric figures and symbols. The most common of them are swastikas, crosses, triangles, tridents, as well as various ornaments, thanks to which the drawings acquire integrity and completeness.

Where are the tattoos of northern peoples stuffed?

One of the most common options for modern Scandinavian-themed tattoos is portrait viking pattern on the shoulder. Usually, a warrior is depicted with a weapon (sword, ax), sometimes in armor or a helmet on his head... The drawing itself can be complemented by a swastika, contour pattern, etc.

Images of ships are also very popular. Such patterns are most often applied to the belly, back or arm. But there are also options in which the tattoo harmoniously flows from one part of the body to another.

Such a tattoo can be supplemented with images of birds, sea waves, etc. etc. To create a stronger artistic effect, elements of red, blue, and other colors may be present in the drawing. For example, blue sky and waves, and the traditional red and white flag Scandinavians.

Another option is a tattoo depicting all kinds of monsters known from the mythology of the northern peoples. Such a drawing is in a sense allegorical, as if it reflects the power and strength of the Vikings. In addition, some archaeological excavations allow us to conclude that the Normans decorated the flags of their ships with pictures of monsters, therefore, in the context of the plot with the ship, the image of the beast will also be appropriate.

And these are just some of the possible variants of the symbolism of the warlike Scandinavians! It's time to look at some examples.

Photo of Viking tattoo on the body

Photo of viking tattoo on hand