Ravens are a deeply symbolic bird known for their great intelligence, with links to positive (wisdom, strength, curiosity) and negative (death, dark superstition, bad luck) themed tattoo ideas.

A Black raven can represent death and ill luck in many ancient cultures, however, their intelligence, curiosity, and foresight make them symbols of great power and positive omens in Norse Mythology and Native American tribal society.

Raven tattoo meanings in modern body art reflect numerous personality traits and behaviors, making them a popular tattoo idea for collectors looking for eye-catching body art with deep symbolism.

Check out the article below to get a better idea of raven symbolism in world culture and tattoo design, so you can choose the best black bird tattoo design to reflect your concept.

The Raven in Norse Mythology

1. Great Odin’s Ravens Tattoo Meaning

In Norse mythology, a raven is symbolic of mind, thought, and wisdom. Odin is also sometimes referred to as the Raven God, as his daughters could transform into ravens. 

The God Odin was accompanied by two ravens whose names meant “thought” and “mind.” Together they were the trusted allies and friends of Odin, the wisest and wiliest Viking god. 

Hugi represented the power of thought, and Mugin possessed the ability to intuit meaning. 

The Poetic Edda tells of these beautiful black birds leaving Odin’s shoulders every morning to fly around the world, gathering all the knowledge and wisdom there was to be found in the day. 

Every night they would return to him and whisper in his ears all the information they’d gathered, adding to his power and reinforcing his reputation as the all-knowing all-father.

Odin’s Viking raven tattoo design ideas are some of the best and most interesting pieces favored by those with ties to Norse culture.