Scandinavian Tattoos - Viking Tattoos
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Scandinavian tattoos include a large number of variations, ranging from runic writing to the image of the gods. Northern tradition tattoos have a rich history with magical influences. There are tattoos that are as close as possible to authentic Viking tattoos, while there are patterns that are performed using modern techniques, although they belong to Scandinavian myths. In our article, we will analyze in detail the most diverse branches of Scandinavian tattoos and varieties of tattoos of the northern peoples.
1. Scandinavian Tattoos and their Meanings 2. Vikings Tattoos 3. Men's Scandinavian Tattoos 4. Women's Scandinavian Tattoos
Scandinavian Tattoos and Their Meanings
Rune Tattoo
- Runes - a system of signs and writing of the peoples who inhabited the territory of Scandinavia. The runic alphabet is called Futhark. Runes were used both as writing and as a system of magical signs. According to legend, God Odin sacrificed himself to get the runes.
- Rune tattoos include galdrastava tattoo - a more complex system of signs. The most popular galdrastavs are the "helmets of horror", which the Vikings used as a weapon against enemies, suppressing their will and instilling fear. Such drawings could be seen on armor, amulets, weapons.
- Rune tattoos include a subspecies runic ties. Elm, unlike runes and galdrastaves, is not an independent sign, but a combination of several runes. In different combinations, runes can acquire new meanings and serve to the benefit of their owner.
World Tree Tattoo
The world tree in the view of the Vikings is a huge ash tree, which they called Yggdrasil. According to legend, the tree connects all the worlds and is a kind of device of the universe. There is a wise eagle at the top of the ash tree, a dragon in the roots, deer at the branches, and a squirrel runs along the trunk. In the roots is hidden the source of wisdom and the source of all rivers.
World tree tattoo meansthat its owner studies the structure of the universe, that he accepts and is interested in myths and northern tradition. The tree is a symbol of knowledge, wisdom and the path.
Tattoo One
God Odin is the supreme god of the Vikings, wise and cunning, creator and all-father. One was a shaman, a warrior and a sorcerer. Odin is depicted without an eye, which he gave in exchange for wisdom. His eternal companions are the crows Hugin and Munin (Thought and Memory), the wolves Geri and Freki, and the eight-legged horse Sleipnir. The weapon of the god Odin is the victorious spear Gungnir, which does not know a miss.
Viking supreme god tattoo suitable for people who seek the patronage of Odin. Who are close to all the qualities of the Forefather. The tattoo will harmoniously suit a brave person, a leader, ready to take risks, strong character, wise.
Crow Tattoo Hugin and Munin
Crows of Odin very often become a plot for tattoos. Ravens is a metaphor, thought and memory that fly around the world and help to know it. Such a tattoo will mean that a person is prone to reflection, the search for truth, knowledge of the universe.
Hugin and Munin
over the world all the time
fly tirelessly;
I'm scared for Hugin
more terrible for Munin, -
will the crows return!
Valkyrie tattoo
Valkyries are winged warrior maidens in Norse mythology. It was a great honor for the Vikings to die on the battlefield, in battle. It was the Valkyries who carried the dead warriors to the halls of Odin, to Valhalla.
Valkyrie tattoo symbolizes the courage of a warrior, the willingness to fight to the bitter end, to accept their defeats with honor.
Tattoo Ornaments
Scandinavian ornaments previously decorated armor and weapons. The Vikings, by the way, were lovers of tattoos. It was the ornaments and tie that became one of the first wearable decorations of the warlike people. Ornaments and ties, similar to the Celtic ones, carried a sacred and magical meaning. Such a tattoo could protect its owner in battle, bring him wealth or the mercy of the gods.
In the modern world, tattoos with ornaments can be aesthetic in nature, and can also carry the qualities of an amulet or talisman.
Viking Ship Tattoo
As you know, the northern peoples were outstanding navigators. They built ships on which they managed to sail to the Mediterranean Sea. According to one version, even America was discovered by the Vikings, even before the expedition of Columbus.
The ship symbolizes decoction, search, thirst for novelty and conquest, discoveries and new lands. the ship was manually controlled by the crew, which in the modern world can be metaphorical. That is, a person is the captain of his own destiny, but without the help of relatives and friends it is difficult to achieve many goals.
Runic Compass Tattoo
Vegvisir or runic compass is an ancient symbol of the Vikings. As you know, the Vikings were good sailors. They believed that the tattoo of the runic compass helps them not to go astray and guarantees the help and protection of the gods.
Thor Hammer Tattoo
Thor in Scandinavian mythology is the son of Odin, the god of thunder and storm, the protector of all gods. Thor's HammerMjolnir is so heavy that only Thor can lift it. The blow of the hammer causes thunder and lightning. Hammer replicas were popular in Scandinavia, people wore them around their necks as amulets. They were also used in sacred ceremonies - weddings were consecrated to them. They were put under the bed of the newlyweds so that they would have many children.
A tattoo can also be made as an amulet in order to gain the patronage of one of the strongest Scandinavian gods. The hammer also symbolizes destruction and creation, since with it it was possible to both kill and resurrect.
Sleeve Tattoo Scandinavian Style
A sleeve tattoo is most often a combination of runes and ornaments. The faces of the gods may also be depicted, surrounded by elements and runes.
Scandinavian Forearm Tattoos
A tattoo on the forearm is a universal solution if you decide to make a medium-sized drawing. For example, it can be an image of runes, gods, or other Scandinavian subjects.
Vikings Tattoo
Based on the ancient Scandinavian saga of Ragnar Lodbrok, the Vikings series has made Nordic tattoos popular these days. The heroes of the series use tattoos for ritual purposes: to help in battle, to achieve the patronage of the gods or to intimidate the enemy. The original Viking tattoos are runes, patterns and ornaments. The older a man becomes, the more drawings on his body.
Men's Scandinavian Tattoos
Tattoos of the Scandinavian tradition have become especially actively gaining popularity in recent years. Many men are close to the philosophy of courage, militancy and courage of the Vikings. Images of brave warriors can be found in TV shows and movies; modern culture often turns to northern mythology. For example, the legendary image of Ragnar Lodbrok from the Vikings series fell in love with the public and inspired many men to exploits and new tattoos.
Women's Scandinavian Tattoos
Girls are especially willing to fill themselves with a variety of runic patterns and amulets. It should be noted that the Vikings women have always fought equally with men. Warriors boldly went into battle and raids. Modern women are very inspired by this tradition, equality and independence. That is why today girls often turn to the Scandinavian theme to search for a sketch of a tattoo.
You may also find this article interesting: History and Varieties of Tribal Tattoos
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