Many Viking tattoo designs are intricate and elaborate. While these can look breathtaking, getting inked may take more time and expense than desired.
Simpler Viking Designs
For those seeking something less complex or elaborate inked onto their bodies, a more straightforward Viking design might work just as well. Axes and swords are popular Viking symbols, often representing courage and bravery. You could also incorporate other items, such as the Tree of Life Yggdrasil, into your designs to further represent them.
Helm of Awe or Aegishjalmur
Viking tattoos are an excellent way to honor your heritage or celebrate adventure and courage while simultaneously showing your interest in Norse mythology. Viking symbol Tattoos come in all sizes and shapes; typically, they look best placed on the chest, back, bicep, or calf.
The Helm of Awe (or Aegishjalmur) effectively represents protection and bravery. Composed of a circle with protection runes encircling it, Viking warriors used this sign before battle to protect themselves while instilling fear into their foes. They would paint or tattoo this symbol onto themselves to defend and strike fear into them and their adversaries.
The Valknut, which symbolizes the afterlife and can serve as a memorial to loved ones who have passed, can also be personalized with your initials or those of deceased loved ones. Another famous Viking symbol, Vegvisir, resembles Celtic knotwork but features more precise lines.
Berserker
Tattoos depicting Viking warriors can be a fantastic way to symbolize your courage, strength, and adventurous spirit. Berserker Tattoos can range from realistic to symbolic representations depending on your tastes; either way, it is essential that after it heals, its detail remains visible over time and does not fade.
Tattoos are an incredible way to express your wild side and mark a moment when you feel unstoppable or as a tribute to a deceased loved one. Berserk Tattoos often include symbols from anime, like Guts’ sword or sacrifice mark, that hold more profound significance for fans – they make the tattoo even more symbolic, reminding them that it’s important never to give up fighting even when things seem hopeless.
Vegvisir
The Vegvisir tattoo symbolizes guidance and protection. Featuring eight arms decorated with runes, it is often chosen to embody Viking roots or seek spiritual advice – a visual reminder to trust your inner compass as you navigate life’s challenges.
Viking raiders used the Vegvisir on the seas as a navigational aid to navigate treacherous waters and avoid shipwrecks. It would often feature outer rings inscribed with the runic alphabet so Vikings could identify their locations quickly.
Runes
Runic alphabet symbols hold different meanings and were initially used for divination and magic, making getting a runic tattoo an excellent way to show your Viking heritage and connect with Norse deities. Popular runic tattoo symbols include Vegvisir (Viking Compass) and Ouroboros (Eternal Circle of Rebirth).
Bindrune Tattoos combine multiple rune symbols. While not expected during the Viking age, this magical technique offers a more profound way of connecting rune symbols.
The Helm of Awe tattoo can also be combined with a raven symbol to pay homage to Huginn and Munnin – two ravens accompanying Odin. Huginn and Munnin represent intellect, wisdom, and broad perception; they can protect against evil forces while providing guidance when facing challenging life experiences. Such traits make this tattoo ideal for any warrior looking for protection and advice in times of difficulty. This tattoo makes an excellent statement about your bold spirit!
