Mjolnir – Symbol of Strength, Protection, and Guidance
Mjolnir, Thor’s magical hammer, is an excellent Viking family tattoo symbol. It represents strength, protection, and guidance. It also symbolizes universal interconnectedness.
Valknut – Symbol of Ancestral Blood Bonds
The Valknut, also known as the Viking knot, is an iconic symbol found on artifacts belonging to ancient Germanic peoples. Comprised of three interlocking triangles, it is often associated with Odin – the god of war, death, and magic in Norse mythology. The Valknut represents ancestral blood bonds, making it popular among practitioners of Wicca, Neopaganism, and Heathenry movements.
Cross – Symbol of Protection and Courage
Crosses have long been an essential symbol for Vikings, representing protection, guidance, and the link between life and the afterlife. They also symbolize power, strength, and courage.
Vegvisir – Symbol of Navigation and Protection
The Vegvisir is a beloved Viking symbol that is an ancient compass to help people navigate difficult circumstances. Its eight rune staves connected by chains offer protection from danger and can be used as an amulet against theft or other threats.
Yggdrasil – Symbol of Connection and Continuity
Yggdrasil is a well-known Viking symbol representing a sacred connection with all things in existence. Though not seen as physical trees, it links all of creation together. It symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, bravery, battle glory, continuity between life and the afterlife, and continuity between generations.
Huginn and Munnin – Symbols of Insight and Wisdom
Huginn and Munnin, the ravens associated with Odin, were integral symbols for Vikings. They represented insight, intelligence, and wisdom. These ravens closely associated with Odin symbolized these qualities for themselves.
Wyrd’s Web – Symbol of Fate and Destiny
The Wyrd’s Web, or Skuld’s Web, is the Norse Pagan matrix of fate created by the Norns/Nornir – the shapers of destiny. It comprises nine staves in a grid pattern representing past, present, and future possibilities. The Norns/Nornir oversees the weaving of this web. It reminds us that our actions have long-term impacts and urges us to carefully consider our choices in life.
The Mother and Son – Symbolizing Ancestry and Spirituality
People choose to get Viking Tattoos for various reasons, such as honoring their ancestry, expressing their passion for adventure and power, or symbolizing spirituality and cosmic balance. Popular Viking symbols for Tattoos include runes, crosses, Odin’s ravens, Odin’s staff with the Ouroboros design, Yggdrasil, and Mjolnir. These symbols showcase strength and determination in battle and life.
