8 Viking Ship Tattoo Ideas And Meaning

Viking ship tattoos are stunning body art designs that mirror the strength of the Norse seafarers who braved ferocious water for years.  The Vikings were seafaring people who raided, pirated, and settled in different parts of Europe and their ships were not just travel and transportation vessels but also reliable wartime companions. These magnificent ships with their curved hulls and expanding sails look spectacular on the skin. Whether etched in a traditional fashion with vibrant hues or drawn with black and gray inks in an illustrative approach, Viking ship tattoos reveal the wearer’s fancy for ancient traditions and admiration for the unknown sea. These tattoos  serve as a way for the wearer to honor the legacy of the brilliant Vikings or showcase their valorous spirit, always daring to tread on unexplored horizons. Scroll down to check out 8 fascinating Viking ship tattoos and learn more about their designs.

Meaning Of Viking Ship Tattoos 

Viking ship tattoos have historical significance. These dragon-headed ships were considered brilliant for their maritime contributions. Some common meanings of these tattoos have been listed below

• Vikings traveled across unknown seas in these massive ships. Thus, the tattoos can symbolize the spirit of adventure and exploration of the unknown.
• They encountered uncountable perils on the journey and faced terrible times saving themselves too. Therefore, these tattoos are a testament to the bravery of the Vikings.
• Wearers can also pay homage to the old Norse Viking tradition and celebrate their culture with these artworks.
• Vikings were independent people looking out for opportunities in every moment of their lives. They went on potentially scary journeys for survival. Therefore, these tattoos can instill the spirit of freedom and independence in the hearts of the wearers and onlookers.

Viking ship tattoos look splendid on the skin and inspire the desire for exploration. Scroll down to find our top 8 designs and read their descriptions to understand the tattooing approaches.

8 Stunning Viking Ship Tattoo Designs 

Whether you want a minimalist Viking ship sketch or drawings stylized with unique elements conveying serious themes, we have all kinds of options in this article. Check out our designs one by one. 

1. Odin Viking Ship Tattoo

This massive tattoo features a Viking ship and Odin. Etched in an illustrative fashion with black, brown, and splashes of white, this artwork inspires curiosity in the minds of the onlookers. The heavy black shading below the ship gives the illusion of waves. Odin is the God of Wisdom and the ship is a symbol of adventure. Together, they symbolize a quest for a spiritual journey toward enlightenment. Odin is also associated with protection. Therefore, this tattoo can be seen as a talisman for safety.

2. Realistic Viking Ship Tattoo

This tattoo features a big Viking ship etched with black and gray pigments. The black-shaded waves offer a realistic touch to the design. The shaded effects at the backdrop create the illusion of clouds. The design covers a significant part of the wearer’s upper shoulder, revealing their intense dedication to sea exploration. The patterned border adds to the overall aesthetic of the tattoo. You can add other Norse tattoo symbols on the mast of this ship, or on the Celtic chain surrounding the ship to intensify the symbolism.

3. Burning Viking Ship Tattoo

This small Viking ship tattoo is etched in an aesthetic fashion with brown and black inks. The red flames around give the illusion of the ship burning. The deep black wavy patterns at the base look striking. This tattoo indicates the fearful journey of the Vikings. Wearers can also honor the fallen warriors with this alluring tattoo. It can serve as a tribute to the heroic deeds done by the brave Vikings.

4. Traditional Viking Ship Tattoo

This tattoo features a Viking ship with a colorful sail. The blue patterns at the base offer the illusion of waves. The deep black outline offers depth to this tattoo. It reflects the wearer’s love for discovery and desire to live life on their terms. It can also indicate their pride in the famous Viking age. The design will also look great on the forearm and thigh.

5. Viking Ship Sleeve Tattoo

This magnificent tattoo features a black ship surrounded by realistic dark waves. It represents the adventurous spirit of the seafarers. It reflects the wearer’s strength and valor to overcome difficulties. The design epitomizes the maritime power of the Vikings. The design on the sleeve reflects the wearer’s pride in the Viking tradition.

6. Viking Ship Back Tattoo

This tattoo covers a significant part of the back. It features a Viking ship floating on troubled waters. The cloudy sky enhanced with black and gray hues creates a gloomy atmosphere. The blue and white waves look striking. The tattoo reflects the wearer’s deep admiration for the Viking spirit. It suggests their desire for difficult challenges. The wearer uses this artwork to exhibit their strength and determination to overcome adversities like the valorous Vikings.

7. Viking Ship Forearm Tattoo

This tattoo epitomizes the spirit of freedom and displays the wearer’s pride in the Viking traditions. It features a Viking ship sailing on black waves. The forearm placement allows the wearer to showcase the tattoo at will and reveals their deep admiration for the unknown sea. They want to navigate enormous seas and explore the unexplored. The design also reflects the wearer’s deep connection to nature.

8. Viking Ship In Storm Tattoo

Vikings are known for their resilience in the face of adversity. This tattoo mirrors that. It features a Viking ship sailing during stormy weather with lightning. The crack lines created with negative space give the illusion of lightning. The blue waves enhanced with white splashes look brilliant. This design symbolizes the Vikings’ ability to withstand difficulties bravely. It inspires the wearer to confront challenges without shying away from them.

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Brik RangelTattoo Artist

     

Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.

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Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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