Tattoos have a long-standing tradition among the Greeks, and these ancient art forms remain relevant today as an elegant way to commemorate one’s heritage.
Zeus and Poseidon
Greek mythology regards Zeus, his brothers Hades and Poseidon as the “big three” gods. In ancient Greece, these three deities controlled all aspects of existence – sky, underworld, and sea. Zeus, as the King of the Gods, conquered the sky while Hades and Poseidon controlled the underworld and sea respectively. After a fierce battle between these three gods, Zeus emerged victorious; however, Gaia was furious at him for imprisoning her children – the Titans – in prison. Zeus and his brothers triumphed in the fight, earning themselves his throne on Mount Olympus. However, Zeus wasn’t always a kind deity; sometimes his anger would wreak havoc on the world. He was notorious for causing earthquakes and tidal waves when in a bad mood, yet he was kind to other deities as well as mortals alike.
Tattoos featuring Poseidon
Tattoo sleeves featuring Poseidon are the ideal choice for those who appreciate the ocean and marine life. Symbols of this Greek god include horses, fish, dolphins, and the Trident – making it a truly iconic tattoo design. The Trident is an iconic weapon of Poseidon. Poseidon tattoos can be seen as a representation of strength and power. Sailors often opt to get this god tattooed on their body to ensure their safety while at sea.
Achilles and Hades
Men often turn to Achilles as a god of strength and courage during the Trojan War. This tattoo, often inked with black ink and featuring his sword and shield, is seen as an emblem of strength, bravery, and power. This tattoo is ideal for those seeking a bold, masculine style. It also adds an air of class to anyone’s appearance. Additionally, this Greek god makes for great matching tattoos between brothers.
Hades is the Greek god of the Underworld and he’s ruled by Cerberus, also known as “the three-headed dog,” who often stands guard at the entrances to this realm. This sleeve design would look incredible on any man who appreciates Greek mythology! It also makes a great choice for Harry Potter fans as the wolf-like creature is featured in the films canon. This tattoo sleeve design is available in black and white ink, so it can be done on any skin type with ease. Furthermore, there’s plenty of space on the sleeve for all your details and characters to be added.
Hermes
Hermes, or Mercury, is one of the twelve Olympian gods in Greek mythology. As one of these powerful and respected deities in antiquity, Hermes had an immense impact on those around him. Hermes was an Olympian god renowned for his cunning, quick-witted intellect, and inventive nature. The classic Hermes tattoo features two wings, symbolic representations of Hermes’ ability to fly between heavenly and mortal realms. Another popular Hermes design is a caduceus. According to legend, Hermes stole cattle from his half brother Apollo and was punished with giving him a caduceus as punishment for being honest.
Poseidon and Ares
Poseidon is the sea god who rules over all creatures within its bounds. He had a beard and long blue hair, and rode a golden chariot pulled by strange animals that looked like half horse and half snake – his vehicle of choice. He donned armor and a helmet as he battled with a sword and shield. Although big and strong, his skill at fighting wasn’t particularly great – which led to other gods disliking him.
