10 Best Tattoo Viking Symbols

Viking symbols tattoo is increasingly popular and make for an eye-catching tattoo design. These symbols are associated with Norse mythology, and often convey different meanings such as strength, courage, luck, and protection.

Common symbols used in a Viking tattoo design include Rune symbols, the Helm of Awe, Valknut, Yggdrasil (the Tree of Life), Mjölnir (Thor’s Hammer), and Valkyrie wings. By adding elements such as swords, ships or dragons to your Viking tattoo design, you can create a unique and meaningful piece of art that celebrates your heritage.

Tattoo Viking Symbols

The daredevil Vikings from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway raided and pirated their way into history.

Their power and glory amaze and enchant us like medieval witchery. So we look up to the Vikings and hope to achieve their power by inking Viking tattoos on our bodies.

Viking tattoos symbolize power, competency, strength, the need to protect our own kind, the glory of the Viking deities like Odin and Thor, and the devotion to the families they bear within their souls. Also, the Viking tattoos represent figures and ideas from Norse mythology. The ancient Norse culture and tradition practiced the worship of the Norse gods and many other mystical figures. So if you are a mythology aficionado, you may go to the best tattoo parlor and ask your favorite tattoo artists to draw a beautiful Viking symbol onto your skin. There are also many Viking warriors’ tattoos that are in vogue. If you want some badass tattoos, get some warrior tattoos inked on your skin. Check out these ten amazing Viking tattoo ideas that will make their little place in your heart.

Fascinating Ouroboros Tattoo

One of the most desired and known traditional Viking tattoos is of the Jörmungandr, the emblematic ouroboros of Norse mythology. If you are looking to get a Viking tattoo on your chest, the symbolic coiled snake will be a great choice for you. Its opened mouth and blank eyes stare right into the onlooker’s soul as if it can see through everything. The Ouroboros tattoo is greatly appreciated by those who love the juxtaposition of terror and beauty.

The Norse ouroboros represents the cycle of life and death. The snake swallowing its own tail as it encircles the earth is a daring tattoo to get inked on the chest, so close to the heart. Norse mythology states that the Jörmungandr is the middle child of the god Loki. It is also associated with Thor, the god of thunder, and is believed to fight Him as an arch enemy. This is the main reason why innumerable Norse mythology enthusiasts are so eager to get this tattoo.

Elegant Viking Compass Tattoo

If you are lost while searching for exquisite Viking tattoo symbols and meanings then you must find your way to the tattoo artist with this beautiful Viking compass tattoo. It is drawn in black ink on the inner arm. This tattoo invokes a sense of mystery and calmness. So many things are happening in this Viking tattoo. The Viking compass at the top with the leaves of the tree surrounding it, the little peek of an owl, the tiny dragonflies, and most importantly the eye at the bottom trigger us to question the hidden meaning behind such an elaborate tattoo.

The Viking compass goes typically by the name of the Helm of Awe or Helm of Terror. But in the Norse culture, it is called the Vegvisir, meaning ‘Wayfinder’ in the Icelandic language. The Helm of Awe is believed to get used by the Viking seamen for better guidance and protection back in the Viking Era. It has eight rune staves, four for cardinal directions and the other four rune staves for intercardinal directions. So the symbol represents protection and guidance against life’s mysteries. People have claimed to get this Helm of Awe tattoo to find hope and direction in life, to find their way to themselves.

Mesmerizing Tree Of Life Symbol Tattoo

This next tattoo of the Tree of Life is on the back, beautifully etched on the back with black ink. Here the tree is drawn so realistically that all the tiny details are visible. The roots are flowing down in a magical way which gives the tattoo a 3D look.

The Tree of Life or the Yggdrasil is one of the ancient Norse symbols that is also a very popular tattoo design. It tells the story of Nidhoggr, a dragon, and Jormungandr, the serpent who lived on the tree and were enemies. The branches of Yggdrasil stretch into the Nine Worlds of existence and hold it together from falling apart. If the Tree of Life happens to fall apart, the entire Nine Realms will collapse with it. This Viking symbol stands for growth and development of life, knowledge, and wisdom. Those who aspire to grow in life and wisdom often get this tattoo inked on their body.

Odin in All His Glory Tattoo

If you are hunting for powerful tattoos take a look at this jaw-dropping tattoo of the Norse god Odin on the inner arm. His grumpy face against the background of the eight-armed spikes of the Helm of Terror and the thunder strike covering his left eye make the tattoo look more realistic and powerful. There is a detailed Valknut symbol just below Odin’s face that is often associated with him. Everything that is going on in this tattoo pays a tribute to the Norse heritage and the Viking culture.

The people of the Viking Age had a keen devotion toward Odin, the god of wisdom and death. The horned helmet of Odin is not visible in this Viking tattoo as His face is covered with a hood. Odin sacrificed His left eye to Mimir’s Well to gain more knowledge so He often represents the thirst for knowledge. Tattoo lovers who are seeking mythological entities may choose Odin and his powerful symbol, Valknut.

Odin’s Spear Dotwork Tattoo

Another notable Norse tattoo is the magical Spear of Odin. The Norse word for this is Gungnir. This tattoo is beautifully inked on the inner forearm with black dots. The spear is turned upside down. There are three evident runes on the blade of the spear.

The mystical deity Odin is often seen holding a spear in the visual arts of the Scandinavian countries. His spear was wielded by the most skilled dwarves and said to have deadly powers. With one strike of this Spear, Odin can bring destruction.

Odin’s Ravens Tattoo

This is a perfect example of Nordic sleeve tattoos. The terrifying ravens facing each other provokes the onlooker to search for the hidden meaning. Such an impressive tattoo easily attracts the gaze.

The Ravens, Huginn, and Muninn depict two different meanings. While the former represents “memory” the latter personifies “thought”. They are the pets of Odin who sits on His throne in Asgard. So if you want to have a tattoo honoring the Nordic symbols, this tattoo will be fitting for you.

Thor’s Hammer Viking Tattoo

One of the popular modern Viking tattoos is Thor’s Hammer or Mjölnir. After the arrival of the Avenger character Thor, the demand for Thor’s Hammer tattoos has increased. This black ink tattoo covers the entirety of the hand reaching the wrist.

Thor is one of the most dominant Nordic gods to be worshipped and celebrated in the Viking Age. His Mjölnir is indicative of his power and control over thunder and lightning. So having the Mjölnir tattoo anywhere on the body gives you the strength and bravery to overcome life’s struggles.

Web Of Wyrd Symbol Tattoo

Although the tattoo artists do not get as many requests for a tattoo of Wyrd or Skuld’s Net as the other Viking tattoo designs, this tattoo looks gorgeous on the leg. So if you show off a less-known mythological symbol tattoo, a Wyrd tattoo will be the perfect choice for you.

As Norse mythology depicts, the ‘Shapers of Destiny’ wielded the web of fate or Wyrd and controlled the destiny and lifespans of humans. The threads of Skuld’s Net indicate past, present, and future meaning they are powerful enough to change the course of time and fate. The Wyrd tattoo is apt for those who like to have their destiny and time inside their palms.

Valknut Symbolic Tattoo

This tattoo is on the shoulder and looks artistic. It is a Valknut tattoo in black ink. The Valknut or the Hrungnir’s heart is an ancient protective symbol of the Nordic culture. This Viking tattoo is more popular among those who feel the need to honor their deceased ones.

As the Valknut is an emblem of death as it is associated with Odin, the god of death. It is also used as a talisman by ancient shamans for protection against evil spirits. The Valknut has three interlocking triangles, each one having different ambiguous meanings. Many ancient Vikings wore this tattoo design long before modern people found the symbol.

Horn Triskelion Tattoo

This sleeve tattoo is inspired by the Horn Triskelion of Norse Mythology. The knot patterns of the three horns bring forth a complicated yet beautiful design that looks super cool to the spectator.

Horns of Odin is an image of three interlocking horns from which Odin drank the Mead of Poetry to gain more wisdom. After drinking the whole of these three Horns, Odin fled as an Eagle. The association of this symbol with the Mead of Poetry is said to inflame an inspiring frenzy for performers and writers.

Viking tattoos presently are very popular among people all around the world. But the Vikings also had tattoos all over their bodies, according to external resources as there is no written evidence from the Vikings themselves. It is often said that the Viking warriors wore tattoos from head to toe ad their bodies were perfect. The traditional Viking tattoos are the Ouroboros, the Viking Compass, the Troll Cross tattoos, the Valknut tattoo, Thor’s Hammer, etc. It is never disrespectful to get a Norse tattoo on your body.