Tattoos are becoming mainstream today, even if they were considered taboos in the 1980s. They should be hidden from everyone, and if you want one, you should conceal it from your potential boss. If you want to join the higher ranks of society, a visible tat can hinder you from entering the nobility, so it’s best not to get one in the first place. Learn more about tattoos on this site here.
However, as time passes, this view has changed, and a lot of people today have tattoos that adorn their skins. They are a form of self-expression, just like pierced ears. In other countries, these symbols are sacred. The Maoris heavily focus on the face as they consider the head to be sacred. In Africa, Egyptian mummies are found with a tattoo that dates back to 2000 BCE.
Indians have tribes who view the inked art to be jewelry that can’t be stolen. In the United States, they are often seen in motorcyclists and sailors but are becoming widespread in many people.
About the Viking Society
When it comes to ancient societies and civilizations, nothing is more recognizable than the Vikings. Their legend has endured in art, movies, and books, and most people who have Scandinavian ancestry tend to get tattoos.
Although there are no written records about the Vikings, their art, mythology, and culture are still being told through tattoos and stories. Some of the inspiring designs that you should incorporate are the following:
1. The Helm of Awe
The Aegishjalmur or Helm of Awe is a symbol of an eight-armed spike from a circle. These historical Viking tattoos point out from a center, and this represents superpower and protection. Many Vikings have been known to wear the Helm of Awe whenever they are joining a war. Some believe that they can win any fight because they are protected from any enemies they may face on the battlefield.
2. Yggdrasil
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil was the Great Tree that provided life to everyone. This tree of life that is ash holds nine worlds that are connected to each other through an interlinking universe. This symbol may sometimes mean a mystical deity is watching over you, having profound wisdom and unsurpassed power.
3. Thor Hammer
The Mjolnir is the name of Thor’s Hammer. This is so powerful that it gained popularity and respect that was not achieved by other weapons. It’s often associated with storms, thunder, and lightning. It’s understandable why Thor’s Hammer has won the hearts of many warriors or even ordinary citizens. The Mjolnir is the symbol of the most good-hearted and powerful god. They wore this as an amulet for battles because it’s believed to give them more courage and power.
4. Huginn and Muninn
The pair of ravens that always perch on the shoulder of Odin is called Huginn and Muninn. These couple of ravens’ details are not too documented, and their purpose and power are sparse. Even if their power is not known, they were admired and revered by many. It’s been said that the meaning of Muninn is memory, and Huginn is thought. The two of these ravens have signified the presence of Odin and his power. These ravens tell Odin what they hear and see, and as a result, God is informed of the events that are happening to him.
5. Tattoo Depicting Ouroboros
The robos mean eating, and the Oura might have meant tail. Many may be familiar with a picture of a tail-eating snake and its circular nature. In Norse Mythology, this is shown as a snake that seems to eat its own tail. Some Norse books would tell that this symbol of the son of the notorious trickster called Loki where the sun was called the Jormungandr Norse Midgard Serpent.
This is the Ouroboros that expresses the unity of all material and spiritual things. This is a cycle of eternal destruction and rebirth.
6. Valknut
The valknut depicts three interlocking triangles that point upward. In mythology, the valknuts usually appear alongside Odin. This was prominent and appeared in an Anglo-Saxon gold ring that’s dated to be made around the 9th century.
It’s frequently shown beside the figure of Odin, where various memorial stones depict a kind of knot. This is thought to symbolize the god’s power to bind and unbind. Odin can bond his enemy’s mind, so they become helpless, and he also can loosen tensions.
In a modern way, it’s thought to be a jewel sign and an excellent household design. It’s believed that the wearers will be empowered to overcome any ups and downs of life with god’s help. Know more about a valknut in this link: https://norse-mythology.org/symbols/the-valknut/.
7. Troll Cross
A trollkors in Norway and Sweden is a bent piece of iron. It’s known as the troll cross in many countries with the power to ward off any malevolent magic, and it can protect its users. If a Norseman has this symbol, he will have a decreased chance of falling into danger. Today, its power lies in warding off evil, bad trolls, and negative vibes that can linger in an environment.
8. Web of Wyrd
The Viking Matrix of Faith or the Web of Wyrd is a symbol that consists of runic shapes. This is usually worn by Norns, who are shaping the destiny of all the beings present. This is a reminder that past actions lead to the present ones, and today’s decisions can affect the future. The universal interconnectedness is usually depicted in the web of wyrd.
9. Vegvisir
Vegvisir may translate into the Path Finder or the Signpost. Many Vikings believe that this symbol can help them reach their desired destinations, whether this would be at sea or anywhere else. They can be home safe and sound in no time with the vegvisir. In Iceland, this is a magical stave that will help people go through rough weather. It can mean pointing someone to the right path. In modern times, getting the vegvisir may mean that one may not go astray in life because there’s always something that’s guiding him in making the right decisions.
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