Self-expression is an essential part of living comfortably in harmony with oneself. Some people find peace in music, while others prefer painting. But sometimes, more is needed for complete harmony. When the soul demands a balance between the inner world and the outer, a person comes to a tattoo master.
Nowadays, people with patterns and bright drawings on their skin for a long time already do not cause anyone shock. If before such creativity on the body was associated with places not so distant, now it has entered the rank of art. There are also many different styles of performance here, and every year there are competitions among the best masters of their craft.
This topic is fascinating and controversial. Drawings on the skin are associated with a lot of legends and misconceptions. Someone considers it an actual disease and eagerly awaits the next session to translate the craziest idea into reality.
Viking chest tattoo includes many variations, ranging from runic writings to images of gods and various mythical characters. Tattoos in the Scandinavian tradition have a rich history with magical influences. You can find a Viking chest tattoo that is as close to authentic Viking tattoos as possible. There are patterns made in a modern technique, although referring to the Scandinavian myths.
Why might a Viking chest tattoo be right for you?
But really, what drives us? After all, the process is not very pleasant and even, to a certain extent, painful. As a rule, tattoos hold a special place of honor in people’s lives. Some claim that after the complete healing of the design, their life has changed dramatically. There are several reasons why people get tattoos.
#1. You want to stand out from the crowd
This only happens sometimes because most tattoos are beaten on body parts permanently concealed by clothing. Like the Viking chest tattoo, for example. But sometimes people admit that they miss the public’s attention. Even if the decision made is condemned, black P.R. is also known to play into the hands of the public. A quality, brightly colored drawing done by a professional always attracts attention. Sometimes such a design can even be a good start for a new acquaintance with the opposite sex (many girls like bold and daring guys, can’t help it).
#2. You want to capture the memory of an event or person
It could be a specific date, a phrase, a portrait, or anything related to an experience dear to our hearts. Sometimes we like to remind ourselves that all bad things end sooner or later. Such tattoos allow us not to break down in difficult situations.
The person’s memory gives a sense of unity of souls, emphasizing the importance of connection. More than once, I met tattoos depicting deceased pets. Everyone has their meaning and strictly personal meaning of such a drawing. But if a person decides to engrave someone’s image on his own body, it is important for him.
#3. You can put sacred meaning in a Viking chest tattoo designs
Only some people attach any mystical meaning to their tattoos. But some people see in any pattern a hidden secret message, which allows them to correct their fate and change life for the better. Why not? Thoughts are material. Having beaten up a tattoo in the form of a Scandinavian rune, which means strengthening the love attraction, you will become more confident and take a chance to meet your soul mate.
#4. You may want to achieve harmony with your inner world
It is challenging to understand, but sometimes a person lacks something to be in complete harmony with the hidden self. In this case, the Viking chest tattoo helps to balance the outer shell and the inner being. By putting a particular pattern or picture on the skin, a person finally finds himself and the long-awaited peace, as the image is considered complete and the puzzle is assembled. It sounds complicated and incomprehensible, but in fact, it is a common psychological aspect known to most specialists in the field of human studies.
#5. Just because I want to
My favorite reason. No need to look for a hidden subtext. The person watched the movie and stuffed his sleeve with its characters. Why? Just because everyone disposes of his body the way he wants. Gloomy tattoos often tell us nothing about a person’s character. A former school friend of mine has a serious business and a lot of people on his payroll. In his closet, he has 800 pieces of office shirts and about the same number of perfectly pressed pants with arrows.
So what’s he got stuffed? A Viking chest tattoo is shaped like a helmet of awe from Scandinavian legends. Yeah, right across half his chest. Why? Because he wanted to, and he did.
While some people spend years nurturing a sketch of a future sacred masterpiece, others are stuffed with characters from your favorite Viking series, not even thinking about how it will all fit together in style. And to condemn a person’s choice is not too reasonable, as it is his body and personal right.
Did the ancient Scandinavians devise tattoos?
Archaeologists have found evidence that people in almost every corner of the world have practiced tattoos for thousands of years. Ancient tattoos served various purposes: protecting against spirits, identifying social and religious status, and simply as body decoration.
Anyone who visits Scandinavia today will find that both men and women are very fond of tattoos and happily cover their bodies with various symbols of all sizes, shapes, and colors. But did the Vikings do tattoos?
What evidence is there that ancient Scandinavians did tattoos?
We know that numerous tattoos were popular among the Celts and Northern European tribes, such as the Picts. But in the case of the Vikings, things are somewhat more complicated.
In the Viking Age, both men and women were very vain (as they are now). Tweezers, combs, razors, and other grooming tools were found in the tombs of ancient Scandinavians. Numerous artifacts directly indicate that the Vikings paid much attention to personal hygiene.
Whether the Vikings wore tattoos, however, remains unclear. So far, archaeologists have not found any remains of ancient Vikings with tattoos on their bodies. They still had tattoos, but there is still no convincing evidence to support the theory that ancient Scandinavians had them.
The main problem of researching the history of ancient tattoos is that the skin is rarely preserved in the burials in a form acceptable for study. The bodies of people in graves disappear the same way as their clothes, so it is very problematic to find traces of tattoos today.
In addition, we should not forget that Viking burial rites were very complex. Not all Vikings were buried in the ground. Instead, great warriors and noble leaders were sent on their last journey by burning on a ship, often sent directly to the open sea.
Throughout Northern Europe, tattooing was a fairly common practice. Indeed, many finds have been found where burial sites have been uncovered, and the skin is left intact.
More interesting, however, is that in 793 AD, Viking ships passed through the fjords and crossed the sea, eventually landing in England for the first time.
Why is this so interesting? The Anglo-Saxons, in general, were very famous for making tattoos using absorbent cotton. Various texts attest to this, and even Gaius Julius Caesar in A.D. 55, who stated that all Brits paint their bodies blue, which makes them more formidable in battle and gives them an intimidating appearance.
Why are Scandinavian-style tattoos so popular nowadays?
Tattoos with Scandinavian themes can be called a trend of recent years. A Viking chest tattoo is no exception. Many members of the stronger sex are close to the philosophy of the Vikings – their courage. The images of the most desperate warriors beaten up in famous movies and T.V. series.
Scandinavian mythology became the basis of iconic literary works. For example, the public loved the image of Ragnar Lothbrok in the Viking saga, and his tattoos became a source of inspiration for many men worldwide.
Men mainly choose the Viking chest tattoo. The symbolic meaning of Scandinavian tattoos in the Viking saga has always been considered a sign of strength, courage, desperation, and readiness to attack and protect their interests. Therefore, such tattoos are worn by men prone to dominance and leadership.
The Viking chest tattoo and its meanings
In Scandinavian mythology, life and death go hand in hand. First, the best warriors die in battle and are reborn in Valhalla. Then they all wait for Ragnarok and join the gods in the last fight of the universe when the whole world dies. But some will remain: these fortunate ones will start a new life.
The rebirth of all things, intertwining the threads of life and death, is one of the foundations of Viking mythology. The legends of the North live on in the sagas and the ancient Norse symbols.
The following will describe the most powerful ones perfect for your new Viking chest tattoo.
#1. Thor’s Hammer – Mjolnir
Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, represents the god’s control over lightning and thunder. Thor, the ancient god of war, is one of the most prominent figures in Scandinavian mythology. Even more remarkable than Odin. Thor, the god of the sky and thunder in stormy weather, as well as the god of fertility, was the son of Odin and Yord, the goddess of the earth.
In Scandinavian mythology, Thor’s hammer is depicted as one of the most formidable weapons capable of comparing mountains with the earth.
Thor’s supernatural weapon, Mjolnir, always returned to him when he hurled it. Wearing Thor’s hammer as a protective amulet was fairly common: it was one of the Vikings’ most famous emblems. Even in Christian times, the Scandinavians continued to wear the Mjolnir on a chain along with the cross.
#2. Yggdrasil – Tree of Life
In Scandinavian mythology, Yggdrasil is the giant mythological tree that unites all Nine Worlds of the universe.
An eagle dwelt at the very top of Yggdrasil, and a dragon named Nidhögg lived at the very bottom. They both despised each other and were terrible foes. Jormungand, the serpent, also guards the Nine Worlds. Yggdrasil is one of the numerous versions of the World Tree, which is known to all human cultures and is home to many fascinating entities.
The image of Yggdrasil appears in a famous tapestry from Overhogdal, dating back to 1066, and depicts the events of Ragnarok – the death of the gods.
#3. Valcnut – the symbol of the fallen in battle
Valknut, also known as the Heart of Hrungnir, the heart of the slain, is a mysterious ancient Norse symbol. Its true meaning has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be associated with a warrior’s death in battle.
The symbol has been found on ancient Scandinavian runic stones and funerary stelae. It is sometimes called the “Heart of Hrungnir” after a giant from the Younger Edda. It is often depicted as a symbol of the power of the gods over death. The valcnut is also believed to protect from spirits, so it is often worn as a talisman.
The valcnut has three parts, and the number three is a ubiquitous magical symbol in many cultures. In the case of Scandinavian mythology, it means three multiplied by three: a number denoting the nine worlds united by the Yggdrasil tree. In modern times, the Valknut is often interpreted as a symbol indicating pagan beliefs.
#4. The Helmet of Terror is a symbol of Viking protection
This is one of the most potent protective symbols of the Vikings, used not only against disease but also to inspire people who may suffer from depression or anxiety.
Scandinavian legends say that the Symbol of Terror was applied between the eyes to induce fear in enemies. The word Ægishjálmr (Agishjalm) means not just horror but awe-inspiring horror: to cause both fear, reverence, and respect.
#5. Hugin and Munin – a pair of ravens of Odin
In Scandinavian mythology, the supreme god Odin is often depicted sitting on his high place, Hlidskjalve, in Asgard, the abode of the gods.
Odin always has a raven on his shoulders: Hugin and Munin.
Hugin is believed to represent “memory,” and Munin, “thought.” Every day Odin sends them, and they fly around the world in search of important news and events. Odin must know what is happening in all of the Nine Worlds. During a feast in Valhalla, they whisper all that they have learned during the day into his ears.
#6. The Web of Vird – the matrix of the fate of the Vikings
In Scandinavian mythology, the concept of fate is reflected in the Web of Vird, created by the Norns. They were goddesses who controlled the destinies of people, gods, and worlds.
The web, or network, consists of nine parts and represents the matrix of fate. It reflects the past, present, and future events in human life. The Scandinavians believed that everything we do in life affects future events, and thus all times are closely linked.
#7. Troll Cross
This amulet is made of a bent iron circle, with the ends crossed at the bottom. The Scandinavians wore it as protection against trolls and elves.
#8. The Triple Horn of Odin
This is another symbol of the great Scandinavian god Odin. The emblem consists of three intertwined drinking horns. It is usually displayed as a sign of allegiance to the modern neo-pagan Asatru movement. The horns appear in Odin myths and are recalled in traditional Scandinavian toasts.
#9. Gungnir – Odin’s spear
This magical weapon was created by dwarves and given to Odin by Loki. Gungnir’s blow was always accurate, and, like Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir invariably returned to Odin.
#10. Vegvisir – the compass of the runes
One of the sacred symbols of Scandinavia, the literal translation of which means “Guide.” To aid seagoing vessels in making it back home safely, this symbol was frequently painted on them. In addition, the sign was supposed to show sailors the way back and protect them during a storm.
For a long time, Scandinavian shamans and those who believed in magical powers regarded it as a compass for their spirits, among other things. The device’s magic was to guide the thoughts and body in the right direction, not to make a wrong choice in life, and to find confidence in one’s abilities.
#11. Abstract Patterns
When choosing a Viking chest tattoo, it is possible to request an abstract image. In this case, the image will have a hidden meaning that others will only sometimes understand. This technique involves applying geometric shapes and black-and-white or colored lines to the body.
In its abstract form, it can represent an ancient tree, which will symbolize the connection with the family and long life, or the rising sun, which gives energy to all living beings, including the tattoo holder. There are often triangles, squares, circles, or rectangles in such images, which also have meaning.
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