10 Viking tattoos and their meanings
Let’s not talk about any hero or their outstanding achievements today. BaviPower today would like to share with you the meanings of some Viking Tattoos which we hope may inspire you.
1. The Helm of Awe Tattoo
The Helm of Awe had another the name of the Aegishjalmur (Ægishjálmr). The design of this symbol included eight armed spikes that pointing out from a center. In fact, this symbol represents the protection and superpower.
Many Viking warriors wore this symbol to join wars. Because they believed this Helm of Awe sign endowed them with protection and courage to win any enemies they might face. (See Aegishjalmur Helm of Awe Tattoo)
2. Valknut Tattoo
The Valknut consisted of three interlocking triangles that pointed upwards. In many depictions, the Valknut sign appeared alongside Odin. This made the Valknut sign become the symbol of Odin. Many ancient Vikings believed that this sign indicated Odin welcoming the warriors to come and dwell in Valhalla – the Hall of the Brave Warriors in Asgard.
In the modern sense, the Valknut sign has become favored in jewel design, household designs, and tattoos. Because the Valknut wearers believe that they will be empowered to overcome any ups and downs in life with the aid of Odin. (See Viking Valknut Tattoo)
3. Yggdrasil Tattoo
Yggdrasil was the Great Tree in Norse mythology. This ash tree was the Tree of Life that held Nine Worlds and connected everything in the universe.
The symbol of Yggdrasil represented the unsurpassed power, profound wisdom, and mystical deity.
4. Thor Hammer Tattoo
Thor’s Hammer was named as the Mjölnir. In Norse mythology, this powerful hammer gained so much respect that no other weapon could compare with. This hammer was associated with lightning, thunder, and storm.
To the Viking normal and warriors, this hammer won their hearts. Because the Mjölnir hammer was the symbol of Thor – the most powerful and good-hearted god. They wore the symbol of Thor hammer as an amulet for battle and life. This symbol would offer them the power, the courage, and the generosity. (See Mjolnir Hammer Tattoo)
5. Huginn and Muninn
Huginn and Muninn were a pair of ravens always perching on Odin’s shoulder. The details of this couple’s mysterious power were sparse; however, they were revered and admired. In Norse, Huginn and Muninn meant “thought” and “memory” respectively. The sign of two ravens also becomes the presence of Odin and his power. (See Viking Raven Tattoo)
6. Ouroboros Tattoo
The Ouroboros was the symbol of a snake eating its own tail. As “Oura” meant “tail”, “robos” meant “eating”, the word’s meaning might be that “He Who Eats His Own Tail”. With some Norse knowledge, we for sure realize that this symbol was for Jormungandr Norse Midgard Serpent whose father was Loki the notorious trickster.
This Ouroboros symbol expresses the unity of all spiritual and material things. It also represents the eternal cycle of reborning and destruction. (See Viking Jormungand Ouroboros Tattoo)
7. Troll Cross Tattoo
This Troll Cross symbol was also favored and appeared in many Viking houses. The power of this symbol was to ward off the bad trolls, evils, and negative vibes that might linger around.
8. Web of Wyrd Tattoo
The Web of Wyrd or the Viking Matrix of Faith was a powerful symbol consisting of the runic shapes. This symbol was woven by the Norns who shaped the destiny of all beings. This symbol was a reminder that the past actions affected the present and the present could affect the future. Generally, this was the sign of universal interconnectedness.
9. Vegvísir Tattoo
Vegvísir meant “the Signpost” or “the Path Finder”. The Viking carried the Vegvísir with them for they believed this symbol would guide them to their desired destination. Whether they were at sea or elsewhere, this sign would bring them home safe and sound.
In the modern sense, people sometimes believe the Vegvísir tattoos would not let them go astray in life. (See Viking Compass Vegvisir Tattoo)
10. Rune Tatoo
Runes were the common system of the alphabet to the Vikings. However, runes were not used much for communicative purposes but most of the times they were used for calling the deities for help.
Each runic letter had their own meaning and connection to a certain god and power.
Check out other blog posts about Runes on BaviPower:
The tree with branches and roots that form a circle is the “Tree of Life”, or “World Tree”, and its conjoined roots and branches form a circle representing the eternal circle of life, death, and rebirth. It’s a symbol that’s widespread
in preChristian religion, especially among Celtic and Nordic/Teutonic traditions. Among the latter, it is Yggdrasil, the evergreen ash tree that supported the 9 Worlds, and is especially associated with Odin. There are many sites on the web that go into detail about its role in Norse mythology. (Just Google “Yggdrasil,” and start reading. :) )
What does the tree and roots in a Circle mean? It was the Pinterest photo but not one of the described tattoos.