If you wish to incorporate Norse symbols into your tattoo design, make sure you select wisely. Some characters from Norse mythology have been associated with white supremacist groups, so conduct thorough research before getting inked.
Ravens
Ravens are an iconic image in Norse mythology. Odin had two ravens, Huginn and Munnin,, who served him by watching over Midgard and providing him with information.
Valknut
The Valknut is an ancient Nordic symbol throughout pre-Christian Germanic and Scandinavian cultures. This design is often seen on rune stones, rings, furniture, or ships. There are various interpretations for what this symbol represents, among them one suggesting it signifies the nine worlds and nine soul parts that make up a person’s soul. Regardless of its origins or meaning, the Valknut symbol remains popular in Norse Paganism today. People may wear or tattoo it, while white supremacist groups consider it an offensive hate symbol.
Runes
Rune tattoos are an ideal choice for body art that tells a tale, as their design originated with Vikings who used the runes as an alphabet to describe places and things. There are 24 distinct runes, each one with its meaning and symbolism. You can select or combine one or more runes to make more meaningful ink designs. The Jera rune is an encouraging sign, symbolizing favorable outcomes and new beginnings with success. Additionally, its association with time serves as a reminder to work for positive results gradually and systematically.
Odin
Odin was widely respected for his profound wisdom, even sacrificing one eye to gain knowledge. Odin fans often select tattoos depicting him with an empty eye socket to symbolize his wisdom and featuring him with spear and cloak symbols that represent their favorite god.
Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil’s mighty ash tree unites all nine worlds: Asgard, Alfheimr/Ljosalfheimr, Nidavellir/Svartalfaheimr, Midgard (Earth), Jotunheimr/Utgardr Vanaheim Niflheim Muspelheim and Hel. Yggdrasil is commonly associated with three wise old women known as Norns who serve to protect and guard it. Urdarbrunnr provides water that they then pour over Yggdrasil to refresh it; additionally, they spin threads of fate while weaving a loom that symbolizes time itself.
Svefnthorn
Sleep Thorn is an essential symbol in Norse mythology. According to The Saga of Volsungs, God Odin used this thorn to place Brynhildr into an inexorable sleep from which she could not awaken until someone disturbed her sleep. A thorn was an object used for magical effects rather than spellcasting; its practitioner could use it in opponents’ homes to induce deep sleep and cause their opponents to sleep for extended periods. This symbol often features a sun cross representing masculine energy, vitality, and power – perfect for representing Odin himself!
Sun Cross
The Sun Cross is one of the oldest spiritual symbols, dating back to burial urns from 1400 BC (Bronze Age). Prehistoric cultures found meaning and power in symbols for their life-giving energy and predictable cycles, which can still be seen today in monuments and objects worldwide. In its basic form, the Sun Cross depicts an equilateral cross set within a circle – commonly referred to in Norse culture as Odin’s Cross as it represents god Odin.
