Nautical Spirit

Viking tattoos are perfect for people who have a strong connection with the sea because they represent their love of the sea. Consider applying shades of blue and symbols such as the Vegvisir to illustrate your point.

Ideas for Norse Tattoo Designs

You can choose from a wide variety of styles for Nordic tattoos, ranging from bold black ink to intricate compositions in vibrant colors. To give you a little inspiration for your own design, we’ve gathered some of the most popular Norse tattoos below.

Viking Warrior

Viking warriors did not wield horned helmets and massive swords during battle as a popular belief may have it. Nevertheless, this image of Jews has been glamorized by the media, making cartoons, paintings, and tattoos ubiquitous in the entertainment industry. As a form of power, strength, and sacrifice to the Gods and as a symbol of their devotion to family, battle, and to the Viking way of life, tattoos are also an important aspect of Viking culture. A common depiction of Viking warriors is:

• Having large horns on their helmets
• A long blond or red hairstyle
• The beard is long, braided, or both
• Shields, swords, and axes at the ready

Valknut (Interlocking Triangles)

Translated into English, the term Valknut comes from the Old Norse “Yalr” and “knut” together, which means “slain warrior knot” in Old Norse. The symbol is easily recognized by the three interlocked triangles that make up the whole thing.

The Valknut, meaning three interconnected triangles, is a combination of the Old Norse words valr, which means slain warriors, and knut, which means knot. Even though it’s not really known how this Viking symbol originated, there have been numerous theories proposed by scholars of Norse Mythology.

Modern Nordic tattoos are mainly believed to have originated among Germanic Pagans since they appeared on many objects in the 8th and 9th centuries – when they were inhabitants of pre-Christian heathen society.