Scandinavian tattoos - mythology, patterns and runes, places of application (on the shoulder, forearm, like sleeve)

The pagan cultures of many peoples gradually died out under the pressure of the Christian religion, but their basic values have survived to this day. They are reflected in history and legends, legends and tales, fine art and literature, are often used in body art.

Scandinavian tattoos, which are rapidly gaining popularity, including after the release of the TV series Vikings, are striking in their diversity. Everyone's imagination, at the mention of Scandinavian culture, necessarily draws him a strong and fearless Viking, going to battle with enemies.

Scandinavian tattoos and their cultural origins

While the meaning of many authentic Nordic warrior body art has been lost, there are tattoos that have been given new meaning in the modern world. This being said, Scandinavian tattoos have undergone fewer changes under modern pressure due to the pagan legends handed down from generation to generation.

The passion for freedom and love of life preserved in the Nordic peoples is embodied in every sketch, which can also have a secret meaning. While the ancient Scandinavians did tattoos to identify their position in society and their affiliation to a certain tribe or type of activity, the modern man has no such restrictions.

Common Scandinavian style and interesting drawings

To choose a beautiful and symbolic body image in the Scandinavian style, you can pre-study the photos presented in a huge variety. Original stylistics of design, the exact technique of application and bright identity make such tattoos recognizable, despite the variety of themes:

Gods and magical beings. The pantheon of gods of northern peoples is not so great if compared to the Greek or Roman culture, but here the deities are endowed with the qualities of real and unyielding warriors;
Geometric ornaments. Exquisite and at the same time simple patterns amaze with their restrained splendor, they are most often applied to the forearm or make a full sleeve tattoo;
Viking ships and ammunition. Two-handed swords and shields of rough work, drakkar or dragon ships with intimidating galley figures very often symbolize the connection with the culture of the ancient Vikings.

Inheriting the Scandinavian stylistics it is not uncommon for connoisseurs of modern cinematography to inherit their heroes by doing tattoos repeating their image and style. The popular Vikings series and the Thor film series, help to find interesting and stylish ornaments, amulets and symbolic body art.

The most popular and recognizable themes for tattoos

Complex and very interesting Scandinavian mythology, eventful history and culture attracts many people. Many Slavic peoples absorbed part of the richest cultural heritage, and modern people prefer to choose beautiful and unusual tattoos in the Scandinavian style.

Runes and runic symbols

Not everyone owns the art of reading the ancient Scandinavian runes, which look simple enough, but can carry their own, secret meaning. For body images you can choose all kinds of sketches, which will become an accent decoration of the body or will be the basis of a magnificent composition:

Scandinavian runes. A unique system of signs used not only for traditional writing, but also in magical rituals, which gives them a mystical meaning;
Hildrastaves. A complex system of signs, their combination has a sacred meaning and is a schematic application of individual, thematic characters with a specific meaning;
runic ligature. It is not a separate sign, but their combination, their combination can give a picture a certain semantic load, which is important to consider when choosing a tattoo.

Another unusual pattern that will adorn the body of a man or woman can be a traditional runic compass. The ancient symbol means patronage of the gods and was most often used by sailors, who believed that such a talisman would help them to find their way home and return to the family.

Interesting: Among all the variety of legends and lore, there are least of all amazing stories about women of northern peoples. Nevertheless, women could be magnificent warriors, mastered the art of defense, and also wore tattoos, revered by men, but did not take part in water travels.

Gods and magical beings

In addition to Odin, images of the strong Thor and his magic hammer, which gives its owner unprecedented strength, are chosen for images on the body. For those who prefer the strength of the mind and cunning, perfectly suited tattoo Loki, another son of the supreme god, who was a joker and often played jokes on his parent.

Odin's companions were Ravens Hugin and Munin, representing thought and memory, and even a great story tattoo will turn out with the wolf Fernir. For the tattoo, you can also choose beautiful Valkyries, warrior-girls who carry the fallen warriors into the brightest of Valhalla, to an eternal feast.

Symbolic body art

One of the symbols of Thor's power and authority is his hammer Mjolnir, forged for the lord and subject only to him. In traditional culture it signifies dominance and great, unbending inner strength, freedom and the desire for new achievements or discoveries.

The great tree, Yggdrasil, which is the source of life in the world, can be applied to any part of the body. The naturalistic or symbolic image signifies the source of infinite wisdom and steadfastness, belief in the source of eternal wisdom and power, thirst for knowledge and finding oneself.

Like the ancient Celtic, the Scandinavian style is quite recognizable and has its own, bright and original accents. The close connection between mythology and culture, religion and paganism, make it an interesting and fascinating thing to learn, especially when choosing a tattoo for yourself and decorating your body. A professional and good master will help to choose an original sketch with the meaning that will help in the self-expression of each person.