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Raven tattoos are one of the coolest ideas for tattoo designs. You cannot miss out on these excellent examples of nordic raven tattoo designs mentioned below.
You can find various references to the raven, in ancient literature and art.
They are deeply symbolic birds, and one of the most intelligent creatures in the world. Some cultures even believe that the raven has supernatural or magical powers.
Particularly, in Norse mythology, the ravens were the symbol of thought and wisdom. It is said that the two ravens, Huginn and Muninn were the trusted companions of the wisest of the Viking Gods, Odin. The story goes like this, these two ravens would travel around the world, gathering all sorts of vital information and happenings, and at night they would return to Odin and whisper in his ears the same. This added to the power of Odin, thus making him the all-knowing father. Therefore, ravens became a very popular symbol in the Viking world, and they were respected as well as feared. Given below are a few such excellent examples of nordic raven tattoo designs, that I am sure, you will absolutely love.
Nordic Viking Raven Tattoo
Did you know, as a sign of respect for the mighty Odin, who was also referred to as the raven’s God, Vikings actually used to stitch their armors and banners with images of flying ravens? The above-mentioned image contains a similar design of the majestic wings of a raven, etched on the shoulder of the individual. The artist has used various shades of black ink to highlight the feathers of the raven. This kind of raven tattoo design is more popular among men. Some of the best places, to get this design inked, including the thighs, chest, and shoulder. Unlike other body parts, they provide quite a large canvas for these large tattoo designs. If you are a fan of the Vikings, then this one right here is a must-have.
Detailed Raven Tattoos
Apart from Norse mythology, you can also find several references to this bird in other cultures. Take the example of Celtic culture. According to ancient Celts, the rave represents protection and prophecy. They used to believe that this bird possessed magical powers, and viewed it as a symbol of war and death. Thus, you raven tattoos in Celtic art, are a very popular form of tattoo design, in today’s world.
The image mentioned above is a rendition of the same. The artist has designed this whole tattoo on the shoulder of the individual with intricate detailing and utmost patience. Just from a glance at this tattoo, you can understand how much difficult it is to deliver these kinds of huge and detailed artwork. Nevertheless, the tattoo artist has done a marvelous job.
Nordic Raven Tattoo On Leg
Here is another beautiful example of a nordic raven tattoo, inked on the leg of this individual. Raven tattoos are usually done with black ink. The colors are deeply saturated and different tones of black ink are used to highlight the feathers on the raven’s body. However, if you want, you can also add any color of your preference, to give the design a more dramatic and vibrant look. In this image, we can see a pitch-black raven tattoo, paired with a moon design, on the top. An interesting fact about the raven is that it was the first-ever bird to be mentioned in the Bible. Furthermore, the Law of Moses, forbid humans to eat raven. There can be several meanings for a raven tattoo. Find out which interpretation works the best for you, and then decide on the design.
Odin’s Ravens Tattoo Design
As mentioned earlier, Huginn and Muninn were the two ravens of the all-might Odin, who used to whisper back to him information from all around the world. They would fly out around the Nine Worlds, and return in the evening to their master. Thus, Huginn and Muninn were visualized as a symbol of thought and memory. If you like these kinds of deep meaningful tattoo designs, then this one right here is a must-have. Etched on the forearm of the individual, we can see the design of these two ravens, Huginn and Muninn. This tattoo symbolizes wisdom and intelligence. If you are a believer in the Viking gods, then using this one as an inspiration for your next tattoo design can be a great idea.
Traditional Raven Tattoo
Unlike all the raven tattoos that we have seen so far, this one right here is slightly more unique, because instead of following the conventional design of black ink only, the tattoo artist has incorporated a splash of red ink into the design. Behind the head of the raven, we can see a bright red circle drawn, that can be a symbol of the Sun. The striking red ink, when paired up with the pitch black color, provides a beautifully contrasted picture. These kinds of designs are an ideal choice for those, who like their tattoos to be meaningful and dramatic. However, before getting inked, it is important to know that, the cost of these tattoos is generally much higher. Furthermore, they also require a lot of time and patience for a tattoo artist. Therefore, ensure you choose someone with proper experience.
Small Nordic Raven Tattoo
Instead of the large and dramatic tattoos, if your looking for some small and minimalist raven tattoo designs, then this one right here is a must-have. Etched on the ankle of the individual, is a small raven tattoo, that has been designed with black ink. The soaring wings of the raven have been beautifully highlighted in this design. In some cultures, ravens were viewed as symbols of death and darkness. In fact various mythological Gods and Goddesses, like Badb, and Macha were associated with the ravens or the crows. These kinds of badass tattoos look great on every individual. One of the crucial advantages of small tattoos is that, they do not involve much pain and can be inked on any part of the body, like the wrists, legs, fingers or arms.
Raven And Flower Tattoo
Incorporating elements of flowers in your raven tattoo design, can be a great way to add that feminine touch. The above-mentioned picture is a rendition of the same. Etched on the forearm of the individual, is a beautiful raven tattoo, paired with flowers and the Moon. Both flowers and Moon are some of the best symbols in the world of tattooing, that denote feminine emotions, like love, mystery, beauty and elegance. When combined with a raven, they will look not only great, but also provide a much deeper meaning. According to Native Americans, the raven is a symbol of balance between the good and bad. This design is an ideal choice for women, who are looking for similar meanings for their tattoo design.
Raven And Skull Tattoo
The skull is a symbol of death and decay. When combined with a raven, it can denote both positive and negative emotions. It all depends on the wearer, and what kind of meanings he wants to highlight through his design. In this image, we can see a pitch-black raven, perched on a skull. To give this design a more somber and scary look, the artist has incorporated designs of dead trees at the back of the design. Needless to say, these kinds of designs are not for everyone. They attract a very niche audience. The beautiful black shading done by the tattoo artist to highlight the feathers of the bird, is indeed noteworthy. If you like your tattoos to generate these kinds of feelings, then you can refer to this one as a suggestion.
Wolf And Raven Tattoo
Did you know that ravens are often referred to as wolf-birds? This is because of the symbolic relationship shared between the two. In the jungle, it is believed that the ravens would often follow a pack of wolves, so that they could later feast on the left-overs of the prey. In return, the ravens would alert the wolves of any approaching danger or threat. Both these creatures can often be seen playing together. The image, here contains one such beautiful depiction of this relationship. Etched on the back of the individual, is a very elegant design of a wolf and raven tattoo. The whole design has been created using black ink. Some of the most common placements for these kinds of designs include the thigh, back, and chest.
Colorful Raven Tattoos
Although most raven tattoos are done using black ink, adding a splash of color to your design wouldn’t do it any harm. The image mentioned above is an example of the same. In this design, the artist has used mainly blue and red ink to give the tattoo a more vibrant look. Needless to say it looks great and prominent. These kinds of tattoos are easily noticeable even from a distance. The only downside is that, they might require frequent touch-ups to keep the design intact.
Raven tattoos can be quite hard to make. Since the design is complicated, it requires a lot of time and experience for a tattoo artist, to deliver the perfect piece. So before getting one done, ensure that you choose an artist with proper knowledge about his work. That said, here are a few other examples of Nordic raven tattoo designs, for you to choose from.
- Forearm Nordic Raven Tattoo
- Raven And Crow Tattoo
- Minimalist Raven Tattoo
- Watercolor Raven Tattoo
- Blue Raven Tattoo
feature image from Pinterest
What is the meaning of a nordic raven tattoo?
The Nordic raven tattoo is a traditional symbol of protection, wisdom and guidance. It is thought to have been derived from the Norse god Odin’s two ravens Huginn and Muninn who were sent out every day to gather information and report back to him. The symbolism of the raven also has ties to tales in Celtic mythology, where the bird is seen as a messenger of the gods. In more modern times, ravens have been associated with mystery and magic, making them a popular choice for tattoos. The Nordic raven tattoo is often worn to represent these qualities, while also providing protection and guidance on a person’s journey through life.
What are the different designs of nordic raven tattoos?
Nordic raven tattoos can come in a variety of designs, from simple black outlines to intricate illustrative pieces. Some common design elements include wings, beaks, runes and other Norse symbols. The color palette for these tattoos can range from traditional black and grey to full-color works featuring vivid blues, greens and purples. Additionally, some Nordic raven tattoos may incorporate elements from traditional Norse artwork, such as knotwork designs and other stylized shapes. No matter the design, these tattoos often reflect a sense of mystery and magic that is fitting for their symbolic significance.
How much does a nordic raven tattoo cost?
The cost of a Nordic raven tattoo can vary depending on the size, complexity and artist. Generally, small designs may start at around $50-100 USD, while larger pieces can cost several hundred dollars or more. Additionally, if you choose to have it inked in color, this will add an additional fee. It is important to shop around and consult with different artists before deciding on a design and price. A good artist will be able to give you an accurate estimate of both the time and cost it will take to complete your tattoo.
What are some popular nordic raven tattoo designs?
Some popular Nordic raven tattoo designs include traditional black and grey portraits, geometric designs featuring knotwork and runes, illustrative works featuring vibrant colors, and simple silhouettes. These tattoos can also incorporate other Norse symbols such as wolves, dragons, and hammers for more detailed pieces. For added impact, some people choose to add a quote or meaningful phrase along with their raven design. Ultimately, the possibilities are endless when it comes to designing a Nordic raven tattoo, so feel free to explore different ideas until you find one that is right for you.