Table of Contents
Bravo! You’ve found the perfect place for the best Viking ship tattoo ideas. We’ve picked out some amazing selections to suit your personal taste.
Viking Ship Tattoos are a mark of a mixture of fear and bravery at the same time.
The Viking tattoo ideas originated from Viking mythology where people who were mostly slaves used Viking ships to raid other islands in order to attain freedom and wealth. The Viking culture is very strong and that is why we have Viking inspired tattoos.
These Viking tattoos have Viking culture at its core and they exhibit art and intellect at their best. One of the most inspiring tattoos of all time is the Viking tattoo. The tattoos artists use Viking symbols tattoos which is the Viking ship along with the ferocious sea and various other challenges that they face, to portray the most accurate vision of the Viking ethos.
The Viking tattoos are difficult to exhibit as they contain minor details however the final outcome of these Viking tattoo designs are splendid. They are the form of true art and only the best tattoo artist is able to portray the perfect vision. There are various designs that are used in the Viking tattoos such as the Viking compass tattoo, the Viking warrior, the Viking god, the Viking warriors, the Viking helmet tattoo, the Norse culture and the Norse mythology and various other figures and body art.
The Traditional Viking Tattoo
This tattoo of the Viking ship has been portrayed in a very old-school, traditional yet in a very spiritual manner. The Viking ship has been executed in this tattoo with a lot of precision to its details and a great colour combination of various shades of black. The ship appears to be sailing in a roaring sea where the waves are quite ruthless.
But the tattoo artist has also drawn various details such as the seagulls flying right above the Viking ship and are soaring high in the wind. Right under the large Viking ship tattoo, we see that there is another portrayal of a dead skull tattoo that has been kept over a Viking trophy. This is a symbolism in the Viking culture which symbolises the death of evil and the victory of goodness.
These figures of the sky and the trophy have been detailed to perfection and have been coloured using red and yellow to make them look more interesting to look at. The borders of the skull and various other outlines have been detailed very well by the tattoo artists.
The Swiss Viking Ship Tattoo
This Viking ship is one of the most specifically detailed Viking ships of all time. The focal point of this tattoo is the flag that has been placed over the Viking ship which is the Swiss flag. The Viking ship has been drawn beautifully with all necessary details including the headboard of the ship which is the face of a dragon.
The ship has been portrayed as if it is sailing in a rough turbulent sea. The tattoo artist has used great shading methods in this tattoo. Not only is the entire Viking ship shaded in black and grey but the tattoo artist has also used the blending method to make sure that everything is balanced and not way too dark.
The background of the entire Viking ship has also been shadowed with black to make sure that the ship does not look abstract on the skin but rather look more real and intense.
The Nordic Compass Tattoo
This is a very iconic Viking ship’s tattoo. Looking closely at the details, what captures the first look is the Norse status symbol which is a compass. It is the symbol of guidance and navigation to the people who want motivation for better hope for the future and a change of thought or decision in their lives.
The Norse status symbol is surrounded by an abstract pattern and a figure of a dragon board making that Norse status symbol appear as if it is a clock hanging over the Viking ship. As we go towards the bottom we see that the Viking ship has been drawn with a jumbled pattern of various wood textures which are carved with Viking symbols.
The tattoo artist has detailed each and every pattern and figure in this entire tattoo however the tattoo artist has also kept the element of mystery by keeping various shades of black and various patterns that are crossing over each other above the figures that are drawn in this tattoo. A very well exhibited and unique Viking ship tattoo.
The Portrait Tattoo
This Viking ship tattoo is more of a story on a human body than just a plain tattoo. The Viking ship has been drawn at the very bottom, sailing in the ferocious sea. Right above the Viking ship is the Nordic compass which is a symbol of protection and guidance which is very symbolic in the situation because the Viking ship can be lost in the sea however in the presence of this compass, makes the tattoo more meaningful and more mythological.
Right above the Nordic compass is a figure of a crying face that has been shadowed twice to emphasise the expression of the face. The expression of the face is very fearful and lost which is very fitting in the situation of the Viking ship dealing with a fierce climate.
There is a hint to Odin’s ravens that have been drawn to symbolise the ever watched gaze of the gods on the journeys embarked upon by humans. The tattoo continues from the back of the lower back region towards the shoulder region and then ends in the wrist of the right hand making it very large however a continuation of the entire story that the tattoo is trying to exhibit.
The Viking Age Tattoo
This Viking ship tattoo although seems to be quite simple yet, is a beautiful way to portray the story of the people who are usually lost but can find a way in the end. The Viking ship is trying to sail in a very bad climate however what makes it worse are the various holes on its panels, which makes the Viking ship imbalanced and the entire Viking ship can turn over into the sea.
However on the contrary the tattoo artist has tried to bring out a motivation by adding a Nordic Compass right on top of the Viking ship which is taking over most of the space in the sky. This tattoo is quite spiritual in nature and has an extensive symbolic meaning behind it.
The Viking Time Periods Tattoo
In this Viking ship tattoo, the story of fighting warriors has been portrayed in a very splendid manner. The tattoo artist has drawn the Viking ship with utmost detail and what makes this tattoo different and more unique from the rest is the figure of the brave sailors who are riding this Viking ship and are not trying to give up, rather they are fighting against the sea.
The tattoo artist has used various shades of black and grey in this entire tattoo to make it look more realistic and has done a remarkable job in doing so.
The Valkyrie Tattoo
This tattoo right here is a creative piece of art. It has all the important features of the Viking culture. At the very top, we have the Viking warrior which has been drawn using a very dark shade of black and has been shaded to bring out a good expression. On the left, we have a Valkyrie – one of Odin’s maiden who escorts dead warriors to Valhalla.
The tattoo artist has used a black shaded style to make the figure look more realistic and has successfully done so. On the right, we have the figure of a wolf which has been exhibited remarkably as the facial features have been drawn very realistically. The tattoo artist has used various patterns of lines to make the fur of the wolf realistic.
In the centre, we have the Nordic Compass which is the symbol of protection and guidance in the Viking culture. Lastly, at the bottom, we have the Viking ship which is sailing against the angry sea waves and the clouds in the background have lightning and thunder. A great piece of art by the tattoo artist using just black ink however using it at its utmost by making various light and dark shades out of it.
The Close-up Viking Boat Structure
This is a smaller portion of a Viking ship tattoo which is mostly drawn on the shoulder pads region. This tattoo mainly focuses on the structure of the Viking ship which is the head of a wolf figure at the front. Right by its side, we have various shields that are used to guard the soldiers who are trying to use the spares against their enemies.
Then we have the entire block of wood-like pattern throughout the shoulder region which is also a little abstract but fits the situation and the design that the tattoo is symbolic of.
The Tribal Viking Ship Tattoo
This Viking ship tattoo is a rare creative art that there ever is. The tattoo artist has used various figures and different colours in this tattoo which makes it rare and unique. At the very top, we have the figure of the evil eye encompassed in a triangle. Then we have a cloud of waves in the night sky which covers the entire upper region of the backside. Right under that, we have the King holding its weapon to defeat the enemy.
If you look closely you will find that on each shoulder patch, we also have the Nordic compass which is a very symbolic and traditional design. Then right at the centre, we have the Viking ship which has an aggressively detailed headboard of an animal that is trying to sail against the roaring sea. Last but not least at the very bottom we have a mermaid sailing underwater which adds a punch of fantasy and mystery to this piece of art.
The Ferocious Sea
This Viking ship tattoo is basically a close-up of the front portion of the Viking ship. The tattoo artist has used quite intricate details in the front to show various patterns such as the wood-style texture of the Viking ship and various poles and ropes that surround the ship along with a huge flag that has the symbol of a bird. The tattoo artist has also exhibited the sea waves that are hitting against the Viking ship and the dark sky that makes the journey difficult.
Some other Viking ship tattoo designs are as follows:
- The Geometric Viking Ship Tattoo
- The Small Viking Ship Tattoo
- The Viking Ship Tattoo Sleeve
- The Norse Legend Viking Tattoo
- The Viking Helmet Tattoo
feature image from Pinterest
What is the meaning of a viking ship tattoo?
The meaning of a Viking Ship tattoo can vary depending on the context and individual. Generally, it is seen as a symbol of strength, bravery, courage, exploration and adventure. It can also represent the heritage and values associated with Vikings such as courage in battle, loyalty to family and friends, honor in victory or defeat, and respect for those who have passed on. Viking Ship tattoos often evoke a sense of loyalty, honor and pride in one’s ancestors. It can also signify navigating life’s journey or overcoming obstacles. In some cases, the tattoo can represent a person’s desire to explore unknown lands and discover new cultures. The Viking Ship is seen as an enduring symbol of exploration and discovery.
What is the history of viking ship tattoos?
Viking Ship tattoos have a long and rich history. They first appeared in the Viking Age (800-1000 AD) among Scandinavian seafarers who used them to navigate their voyages across the North Atlantic. Viking Ships were symbols of strength, power and exploration, which made them popular among Viking warriors who wore them as a sign of their courage and strength. Over the centuries, Viking Ship tattoos have become popular in different cultures and among many people who want to express their connection with a particular culture or tradition. Today, these beautiful designs are often used as a statement of identity and pride.
How do I choose a viking ship tattoo design?
When choosing a Viking Ship tattoo design, it is important to consider the context of your tattoo. What does the design mean to you? Are there any particular elements that symbolize something special for you? Consider the size and placement of the tattoo as well. For example, a small and discrete Viking Ship can represent strength and courage in battle while a large and elaborate design can be used to reflect pride in one’s ancestry. You should also ensure that you find a skilled tattoo artist who has experience with Viking Ship designs. With the right design and placement, your Viking Ship tattoo will be a beautiful reminder of your cultural heritage and proud identity.
