Vikings were raiders and warriors that shaped most of the Middle Ages. They invaded England and France from the north and brought forth a rich culture, symbolism and mythology alongside their fame and martial prowess. That is why nowadays there are many Viking symbols that are popular to get tattooed, especially as Vikings also painted their bodies throughout history.
Sleeve tattoos have long been among the trendiest tattoo creations, and with such a rich symbolism in Viking history, it's not surprising that many people choose to have Viking symbols painted on their bodies, especially when those symbols are associated with them associated with Vikings. with Norse gods and myths that described them.
However, inspiration for the best viking sleeve tattoo idea isn't that easy to come by, especially when you're competing with your tattoo artist for the most unique design you can find. Don't worry we have written this article to help everyone who is addicted to viking sleeve tattoo. We will look at viking symbolism and list the best tattoo designs for viking sleeve tattoo below.
Wikings and Tattoos
In the last decade there have been quite a few TV shows and films that have glorified and told the stories of the Vikings. Not surprisingly, all of these Vikings and Norsemen were particularly fond of tattooing, especially throughout history. This suggested that the Scandinavians associated body painting with part of their culture as they got older and made various achievements in life that they wanted to imprint on their bodies.
However, there is almost no evidence that Vikings actually tattooed themselves, and if so, what was the ink made of? Understandably, Viking remains unearthed throughout history cannot indicate tattoos as the skin degrades over time and gives absolutely no indication of what ink the Vikings used.
However, two historical events may indicate that Vikings wore tattoos and painted themselves, which likely inspired pop culture to use tattoos on Viking warriors in their television series and films.
Throughout history, Vikings were believed to have runes etched across their arms and legs, as well as on their faces. They tattooed themselves while participating in reconnaissance flights from Scandinavia to England, Iceland and further afield.
One of the most important pieces of evidence that offers information about Viking tattoo culture is the Arab traveler and scholar Ahmad Ibn Fadlan. He was sent by the Caliphate to conduct a diplomatic adventure in the Middle Volga region, now part of Russia.
As a traveler he encountered Norse warriors whom he believed to be Vikings in the 10th century.ºCentury. They sailed up the Volga to trade with the Arabs. Fadlan was the first and last person to write that Viking tattoos are real. The tattoos that flattered the Vikings were much more detailed and prevalent among Vikings than they are in pop culture today. He wrote that they were tattooed from head to toe.
He also stated that the tattoos, which covered up to his fingertips and their necks, were colored green and blue, suggesting that the tattoo ink used was made from tree ash.
Unfortunately, Fadlan was the last person to report sightings of Vikings as tattooed individuals. Furthermore, we cannot confirm with certainty that the Vikings were in large numbers. Maybe he only saw a few people who were tattooed and not all. It has also been assumed that this group of Vikings was called the Rus Vikings, which is what he also called them.
He also wrote that they behaved like savages. He noticed that although they washed their hands, face and head, they were dirty. However, they did so in a "wild way".
While Fadlan is the only person to have written about sightings of tattooed Vikings, there is another clue that may indicate Vikings had tattoos.
A clue from Siberia could provide a possible clue as to how Viking tattoos came to be. Archaeologists have exhumed the body of a Scythian chief who had been buried for thousands of years. It is believed that he lived in 500 BC. and his body was covered in tattoos, which may indicate that the Norse took over the tradition.
Some sources believe that the descendants of these civilizations taught future Vikings to paint their bodies and also to practice it.
Viking Tattoo Symbols: Which Norse Symbols Should You Get On Your Viking Tattoo Sleeve?
Whether Vikings wore tattoos or not, there are countless symbols in Norse mythology and they all make great tattoos in their own right. However, getting a sleeve tattoo usually involves combinations of different symbols and designs to get the final product.
In this section we talk about the designs that you can combine to get the best results for your viking tattoo slave.
Mostly tattoo artists get different designs of runes and symbols to tattoo viking fans. However, a few significant symbols have made their mark in Norse history and are worth listing below.
signpost: Vegsivir is surely the most popular tattoo design that originated from the Vikings. It is a symbolic VikingCompassfilled with Norse runes that helped Viking invaders find their way. Vegsivir means "That which shows the way" in the Icelandic language.
Though not entirely of Viking origin as discovered in the 17th centuryºCentury, suggests the Norse culture, which probably brought the symbol to the Icelandic lands through exploitation. Most importantly, Vegvisir is a symbol of guarding and protection, especially among traveling people and sailors. It also provides protection for people who have gone through various struggles.
Some Norse beliefs suggest that the supreme god of Norse mythology, Odin, used this Norse compass in his endeavors as he always found his way and never lost his way.
Yggdrasil:Yggdrasil represents the tree of life and is considered sacred in Norse mythology. Also, it is a popular symbol that is invoked for tattooing. It was first mentioned in the 13th centuryºCentury and is described as a tall ash tree that sits at the center of everything. It was believed that its branches could reach heaven and heavens. The Norse believed that Yggdrasil was the representation of life, stability, empathy, balance and existence. If you are looking for a tattoo that has a deep and symbolic meaning, then you should definitely go for Yggdrasil.
Branco: If you are looking for a tattoo sleeve with a simple and humble design, Valknut might be the right choice. This triple knot is used to commemorate slain warriors who died with honor and are ready to join Odin and other gods in Valhalla.
If you want your tattoo sleeve to be more subtle and not stand out too much, adding Valknut to your design can make sense. When it comes to meaning, Valknut represents honor, courage, fearlessness and acceptance.
It's no secret that armband tattoos are often used to honor a deceased person, the Valknut tattoo can be used in the same way, especially if you combine it with other symbols from Norse mythology.
Thors Hammer:by ThorHammerIt is one of the most important weapons in Norse mythology. When bestowed by Odin's son Thor, god of war and thunder, he was unstoppable. Thor's hammer was believed to be responsible for a variety of natural disasters, including rough seas, storms, earthquakes, and more.
In terms of tattoos, Thor's hammer can represent willpower, strength, power, courage and much more. It is a great addition to the major Norse symbols.
Elmo do Awe:When discussing the Helm of Awe, it's important to differentiate between it and the previously mentioned Vegvisir symbol. While the latter was the symbol of navigation, travel and exploration, this one is the symbol of courage and fearlessness.
The Helm of Fear was believed to have been used by Viking warriors for protection and to increase courage in battle and for leadership. It was also believed to have the ability to scare off enemies. That is, if you need protection from bad luck orevil look, this tattoo is a good choice. The only challenge that comes with this is matching it to the sleeve tattoo as it is a larger design compared to the others.
Also read:100+ tabs of popular tattoo meanings: Creatures (not just animals) are the most popular
The best ideas for viking tattoo sleeves
Now that we have listed the most popular viking symbols used in tattoos, let's take a look at all the different tattoo designs that viking symbols used for their sleeve tattoos. Combined with the symbols above, you will surely get some inspiration for your next sleeve design.
Manga Viking Feminina
It's no secret that Viking wives were fierce warriors who stood shoulder to shoulder with their husbands and brothers on the battlefield. Viking women were treated very differently than women in Christian countries, who often felt less and had no access to the things Viking women did.
This particular tattoo looks classy, ​​attractive and detailed. No doubt it took a while to make but the quality of the ink looks unprecedented. Even the Viking warrior can be seen with body paint and tattoos, suggesting that the belief that Vikings also had tattoos is very popular.
Also read:60 Sleeve Tattoo Design Ideas For Women (Updated 2023)
Manga Viking Shieldmaiden
As previously mentioned, the Viking shield-maidens were among the finest female warriors in the north, able to fight alongside men but also on an equal footing with them. This squire is painted in great detail, her hair is braided in small braids as was popular in the Nordic countries in the past.
She also wears a helmet made of bones, indicating that she is ready for battle. She also wears face paint, both on her lips and under her eyes, which have been done in as much detail as possible. Viking warrior women in tattoos can signify ferocity, courage and tenderness.
Fenrir sleeve tattoo
Fenrir is the mythological wolf from Norse mythology who was destined to take revenge on the supreme god Odin. He is also believed to be the son of Loki. Wolves generally lack positive symbolism, especially since Fenrir is often associated with revenge, anger, and other negative qualities. However, revenge should be his destiny, which also makes his actions righteous. There are several symbolisms for the colossal Norse wolf. But one of them is justice, which makes many people want to get tattoos on their sleeves.
black ink sleeve
This interesting black sleeve, stretching across the shoulder and chest, features several Norse symbols. One of them is Vegsivir, the Viking compass that Odin carries with him on his adventures. We detailed it above but this tattoo is much larger and combines well with other tattoo symbols. Many of these symbols are primarily knots, popular in Norse and Celtic civilizations.
Odin tattooed sleeve
Odin is the supreme god of Norse mythology and we believe that is exactly what he is in this tattoo design. It's dark and mysterious, just like Odin, but it also has great power. Represented by war, wisdom and even death, Odin is feared by the other gods and enemies of the Norse. This tattoo is quite detailed especially since Odin is a one-eyed god.
Manga Vikings of history
Vikings Story is one of the most popular TV shows starring the evil Norsemen. This tattoo sleeve features some of the main characters including Ragnar Lothbrok, his best friend Floki the boat builder and Ragnar's son Bjorn who passed on Ragnar's legacy. The tattoo also includes more Norse symbols like the raven signifying Odin, Vegvisir and various Norse runes with different meanings. We like how detailed the characters are and they look great even after healing.
Sturm-Wikinger-Manga
Storms are very important in Norse culture and mythology because they represent the presence of the gods, such as Odin, the supreme god, as well as Thor, who gave his hammer that could shoot light. For many Vikings, storms can portend trouble, indicate the gods are angry, or portend a bad omen. It was also a challenge for sailors who struggled to weather the storms to reach their destinations. This tattoo looks absolutely fabulous and also adds some runes, plus the viking god and what looks like dragon scales. The tattoo also contains runes, which is pretty cool.
Manga Lobo E Viking
This is another Viking sleeve tattoo that features the righteous and enraged Fenrir depicted. However, it also includes other entities such as Odin, suggesting that Fenrir is drawn to carry out his vengeance on the supreme god. There are other symbols in the tattoo including lightning bolts, clouds,dragon,Crow, and Vegvisir, which was often carried by Odin himself. We liked how Fenrir stood above the other tattoo symbols and his anger was perfectly drawn in many details. According to the author of the image, this tattoo supposedly represents Ragnarok or what is believed to be the end of the world in Norse mythology.
Also read:30+ Wolf Tattoo Design Ideas (And The Meaning Behind Them)
Nordic manga
If you're looking for a super detailed viking sleeve for your new tattoo, this is among the best we've found. This is because all the combined symbols are associated with the Vikings and the Norsemen.
They combine a Viking warrior looking back while surrounded by the Norse signature axestree of Lifetattooed on his face, as well as the raging storm, the death-seer, and the triple-layered Valknut symbol.triangles, which can mark death or a fallen warrior who has earned his way to Valhalla. It is super detailed and serves as inspiration for anyone looking for a mixed symbol tattoo.
The mind is the difference
Huginn and Muninn are twin ravens who belong to and serve Odin. For him, they would fly over the world to learn more about what is happening in it and then report back to the Supreme God. Although this tattoo doesn't completely cover the sleeve, it can be a great idea to use for your future sleeve tattoo. We also like how the artist drew the crows, with special detailing on the beak, eyes, and wings that open to fly. It's like the crows are making the tattoo sound. It is a great tattoo that would look even better with the addition of other symbols.
storm sleeve
This tattoo depicts the adventurous spirit of the Vikings as well as their efforts as they raided the sea and sought the fertile land. Most often, Vikings made voyages with their ships and vessels, and these voyages were fraught with raging storms that raged the sea. This tattoo is detailed because it shows the raging sea and sky. It also shows that the boat belongs to the Norsemen. There is also a vegvisir on the shoulder which is the perfect representation of life's compass and no matter what you are going through, Odin is there to protect and guide you.
Wiking Warriors Manga
This is another Viking sleeve tattoo that is rich in detail and also suits a large number of elements associated with Norse tradition and culture. Viking warrior with horned helmet and armor is in a fight but also surrounded by symbols like vegvisir, boat, storm, other dead warriors and others. We also like the brushed design that hints at mystery and combines so many familiar Viking symbols.
Jormungandr tattoo
The last sleeve of the tattoo suggests a mythical creature that Thor fought with his hammer, the Midgard Serpent known as Jormungandr. He also adds other symbols like the rough seas, Huginn and Muninn and the famous Viking compass that we mentioned throughout the article. This is among the top three tattoos that we show you in this article as it is dark but light and also rich in precise and elegant details.
This tattoo is impeccably designed and perfectly arranged all over the arm. It is also worth noting that although there are many snake tattoos out there, not many people paint the Midgard Serpent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Viking Tattoo Sleeves
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about Viking tattoo sleeve tattoo ideas. Make sure you check them out. You might find an answer to the question you've been asking yourself for a long time.
Q: What are the most popular Viking sleeve tattoos?
A: Most Viking sleeve tattoos combine different symbols like Norse gods, symbols like Thor's hammer, crows, Vegivisir, Valknut and others. Mostly there can be inspirations for popular characters from TV show Vikings as well as some other symbols like boats as Vikings robbed and traveled a lot.
Q: Hat Wikinger Tattoos?
A: The most accurate evidence that Vikings have tattoos comes from the writings of an Arab scholar who traveled the Volga and encountered so-called Rus Vikings who were said to be tattooed from head to toe. Most tattooed Viking beliefs come from pop culture and TV shows depicting tattooed Viking warriors.
Q: What is the meaning behind Viking and Norse tattoos?
A: The most popular tattoo meanings associated with Vikings are symbols of power,Strength, timeless courage and respect, and an ode to the Norse gods that the Vikings worshiped and believed in. They fought in her name and died in her name. Because of this, many Viking sleeve tattoos depict Thor or Odin, who are the most popular gods in Norse mythology.
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