33 Awesome Viking Tattoo Ideas For Men

Viking tattoos are often characterized by bold, blackwork art styles. These designs are mainly inspired by Norse mythology and feature depictions of gods like Odin and Thor as well as famous stories from the Viking sagas.

Viking tattoo has a deep meaning, and it is not just a fashion statement. It is because Vikings had been the most fearless warriors who used to conquer other nations and capture their lands. Their fearlessness was so much that they were not scared of dying as they had the firm belief that they would reach Valhalla after their death. Valhalla was the heaven in Norse mythology where all brave warriors went after their death.

The design of the Viking may vary from one artist to another but this is actually based on a person’s preference. You can choose from Norse gods to rune symbols and from abstract shapes to animal representations. Here are some ideas for your Viking tattoo:

1. Blackwork Nordic Tattoo

These tattoos are simple and minimalist yet they look stunning when done in blackwork style. The Blackwork Nordic tattoos usually comprise of Scandinavian runes or other symbols such as the Vegvisir (Nordic compass).

Blackwork Nordic Tattoo

2. Odin Tattoo

Odin, just like Zeus in Greek mythology, is the god of war and death in Norse mythology. He is also known as the Allfather. Odin tattoos are great for people who want to show some respect towards this deity. Plus, these tattoo designs look amazing especially when drawn in tribal style.

Odin Tattoo

3. Simple Viking Tattoo

If you prefer simple tattoo designs, you can opt for small Viking tattoos such as the Valknut which means “slain warrior”. This symbolizes Odin welcoming the fallen warriors into Valhalla which is similar to Heaven in Christianity.

Simple Viking Tattoo

4. Small Viking Tattoo

Tiny tattoos are trendy these days, but Norse symbols are ideal even if you’re not a fan of small ink. The Vikings loved to use runes as part of their iconography, so a simple runic symbol is always a great choice.

Small Viking Tattoo

5. Traditional Viking Tattoo

Viking warriors were men of honor who kept their word and took pride in their appearance. They even spent a lot of time grooming their hair, which was often long and braided down their backs. If you’ve ever seen the TV series “Vikings,” you’ll know how accurate that aspect of the show was.

Traditional Viking Tattoo

6. Vegvisir Viking Compass Tattoo

Vegvisir Viking compass tattoos are one of the most popular Viking tattoo designs. The Vegvisir was a magical device of Norse culture which was used as a compass to find ones way in the storms and rough oceans. Its appearance is like a circle with runes inscribed inside it. The symbol is used to protect against evil forces and keep you safe on your travels.

Vegvisir Viking Compass Tattoo

7. Viking Arm Tattoo

Arm tattoos always stand out due to their large size. They are one of the best places to get tattooed because they have ample space available. Viking arm tattoos are also quite famous among men due to their war-like nature. These tattoos can be done using both black and color ink to make them look more attractive and beautiful. You can also get other Viking symbols like Vegvisir, Ravens, Wolves, Axe, etc., tattooed on your arm along with Viking ships or the Valknut symbol for a manly look.

Viking Arm Tattoo

8. Viking Axe Tattoo

There are many types of axes used during the Viking era. The most common type of weapon was the hand axe which was carried by every Viking including women and children in case of an attack. It was also used for cutting down trees and building shelters. A bearded axe refers to an axe with a wide edge used with one hand without a handle. It was usually one sided but some had 2-sided blades with a spike on top for close combat battle.

Viking Axe Tattoo

9. Viking Back Tattoo

A popular location for Viking tattoos is the back. A large tattoo on your back makes a bold statement and allows you to show off your ink whenever you want. Because of its size, an intricate design with many details works best.

Viking Back Tattoo

10. Viking Berserker Tattoo

Another popular choice when it comes to Viking tattoos is one that features a berserker. A berserker was an ancient Norse warrior who fought for his tribe during battle. Berserkers were known for their lack of fear and uncontrollable rage during combat. They would charge into battle without wearing armor or any type of protection because they believed their god would protect them from harm.

Viking Berserker Tattoo

11. Viking Forearm Tattoo

Viking forearm tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs in the world. These designs are often made in large sizes on arms and shoulders.

Viking Forearm Tattoo

12. Viking Head Tattoo

For those who want something special for themselves, Viking head tattoos are an excellent choice. You can choose from various types of Viking heads, such as the long-haired, long-bearded or short-haired ones. This is a very bold design and will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. If you have a big family, this is a great way to show your love for them.

Viking Head Tattoo

13. Viking Chest Tattoo

The Viking chest tattoo is another popular option among men who want to express their manhood through a tattoo. It looks very masculine and makes you look like a warrior. This design will be very attractive for women who like to show off their beautiful bodies. You can get this design done in different colors, depending on what you want to express with it.

Viking Chest Tattoo

14. Viking Huginn and Muninn Tattoo

Huginn and Muninn are two ravens that sit on Odin’s shoulders and whisper all the news they see and hear into his ears. In Old Norse, Huginn means “thought,” while Muninn means “memory.” These birds can fly throughout the nine worlds and bring information to Odin. Huginn is able to represent thought because he is always flying around getting new ideas for Odin. Muninn represents memory because he comes home with information for Odin so he can think about it over again.

Viking Huginn and Muninn Tattoo

15. Viking Mjolnir Tattoo

Thor’s hammer is a Viking Age symbol of the Norse god Thor, usually depicted as a large iron hammer that was wielded by the god of thunder and lightning. The Mjolnir symbol itself is probably based on the symbol of the ancient god of thunder, Taranis.

Viking Mjolnir Tattoo

16. Viking Ouroboros Tattoo

Ouroboros is an ancient Greek symbol that has been interpreted as meaning many things over the years. For example, it can mean infinity, completion, or wholeness. In ancient Egypt, the snake eating its own tail represented the endless cycle of death and rebirth, while in Norse mythology, many gods were depicted with an ouroboros circle around them.

Viking Ouroboros Tattoo

17. Viking Raven Tattoo

This is one of the most common Viking tattoos which represent Odin’s two Ravens namely Huginn and Muninn. These two ravens were believed to fly all over the world and bring back all the information that Odin needs to make important decisions. This tattoo symbolizes wisdom, intellect and a free spirit.

Viking Raven Tattoo

18. Viking Rune Tattoo

Viking Runes are another significant variation to the Viking tattoos. A rune is a character that represents a sound in the Germanic language family. Runic alphabets were used by several ancient Germanic tribes for writing, divination, and magical purposes. Their use spread to England when the Anglo Saxons adopted them in AD 400-600. The runes have also been connected to Norse mythology due to their association with Odin who discovered them while he was hanging upside down from Yggdrasil.

Viking Rune Tattoo

19. Viking Ship Tattoo

Viking ship tattoos are used to represent a journey through life, death and the afterlife. The Viking ships were designed to sail in both deep and shallow waters, which made them extremely versatile. The Vikings would use these ships as a means of exploring new lands as well as reaching Valhalla, the Viking’s final resting place. These Viking ship tattoos are very intricate in their design and may be a good option if you are looking for a tattoo that doesn’t have much meaning behind it.

Viking Ship Tattoo

 

20. Viking Skull Tattoo

The Viking skulls have become extremely popular in recent years due to the Norse culture being back in fashion. The skull represents death but also rebirth and how we should live life to the fullest every day because tomorrow is never promised. This tattoo can be placed anywhere on your body as long as it has enough space for the details that go into its design such as eyes or teeth etc.

Viking Skull Tattoo

21. Viking The Helm of Awe Tattoo

The Helm of Awe is a powerful protective symbol used by the Vikings for the purpose of protection from illness and disease. It was also believed to be used during battles to protect against the abuse of power.

Viking The Helm of Awe Tattoo

22. Viking Thor Hammer Tattoo

Thor’s hammer is referred to as Mjöllnir and it’s one of the most recognized symbols in Norse mythology. The hammer was said to have the power to level mountains! In addition, it was believed that Mjöllnir could bring things back to life. Thor’s hammer was also a symbol of fertility, strength, and protection. This tattoo design can be done in many different styles and sizes but looks best when done boldy.

Viking Thor Hammer Tattoo

23. Viking Sword Tattoo

The Viking sword was called a Ulfberht Sword and was made with a special type of steel that made them both incredibly strong and very sharp. These swords were so good that they even had their own mark on them that read “ULFBERHT” which is why they are sometimes referred to as “Ulfberht Swords.”.

Viking Sword Tattoo

24. Viking Tribal Tattoo

The tribal tattoos of the Vikings were probably inspired by the Celtic culture, which had spread throughout much of Northern Europe before their arrival. The Vikings also had a lot of contact with the Eastern cultures, as they tried to conquer places like Byzantium and Anatolia. They could have been influenced by their tattoos as well. Most of the Viking tribal tattoos that we find today feature thick solid black lines, much like those used in Aztec or Egyptian tattooing.

Viking Tribal Tattoo

25. Viking Troll Cross Tattoo

Troll crosses are another Viking symbol you can use for your tattoo design. The troll cross is an amulet made of iron that was worn by Scandinavian people as protection against trolls and elves. These creatures were thought to be a great danger to humans, especially at night and in isolated places. This can be an interesting tattoo choice if you want something more mystical than some of the other designs already mentioned.

Viking Troll Cross Tattoo

26. Viking Valknut Tattoo

The Valknut is quite possibly the most renowned and famous Viking symbols. The word comes from Old Norse Valr (slain warriors) and Knut (knot). This term was used to refer to warriors who died in battle, since it was believed that they would reach Valhalla, the great hall presided.

Viking Valknut Tattoo

27. Viking Valkyrie Tattoo

The valkyrie is the female figure of Norse mythology who chooses those who may die in battle and those who may live. Valkyrie has been depicted to look strong and beautiful, which is one reason why this design is a popular choice for women.

Viking Valkyrie Tattoo

28. Viking Warrior Tattoo

This type of tattoo symbolizes strength and power. It usually features a warrior wearing a helmet with horns on it, or some other accessories like his shield and weapons.

Viking Warrior Tattoo

29. Viking Web of Wyrd Tattoo

This tattoo symbolizes the fate of all beings in the cosmos. It is also known as the Wheel of Fate.

Viking Web of Wyrd Tattoo

30. Viking Wolf Tattoo

Wolf tattoos have been in vogue for centuries. One of the most famous Viking wolf tattoo designs is Fenrir, a gigantic wolf who was the son of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. In Norse mythology, Fenrir was the younger of two siblings, his elder brother being Hel who was half blue in color and half flesh (that’s why she’s called Hel).

Viking Wolf Tattoo

31. Viking Yggdrasil Tattoo

Yggdrasil was the name of the tree that connected nine realms in Norse mythology. The term “yggdrasill” literally means “terrible horse” referring to Odin’s horse Sleipnir. It is believed that Odin hanged himself on this tree for nine days and nights in order to gain knowledge about runes.

Viking Yggdrasil Tattoo

32. viking Dragon Tattoo

Dragons have always been a subject of great interest for Viking tattoo lovers. Dragons are known as serpents from heaven and their role in Norse mythology was that of a protector and guardian. According to Viking legends, dragons guarded treasures and various priceless possessions.

viking Dragon Tattoo

33. Viking Tattoos For Women

Viking tattoos aren’t just popular among men; they’re also becoming increasingly popular among women. Some Viking symbols are perfect to combine with tattoo designs for women.

Viking Tattoos For Women

FAQ

Viking Tattoo Meanings

Vikings were daring and bold, but they also had a great sense of honor. Many of their tattoos were done in a way that honored their gods and goddesses. For example, if you saw a tattoo with a wolf on it, it could be paying homage to Odin. If you saw a tattoo with a raven on it, it could represent Odin as well. Vikings would get tattoos to commemorate important events or accomplishments in their lives as well as things that occurred during battle.

Viking Tattoo Symbolism

A Viking tattoo symbolizes strength and power. They often show bravery and loyalty to one’s family and clan (or even country). For example: some Vikings liked tattoos that depicted wolves because they believed it represented strength and courage; other Vikings liked them because they thought they brought good luck (like good health).

 

Diana Wendy

I'm Diana, 25 years old, a university graduate. I write articles in my spare time.

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