The modern world is too boring, because scientific progress leaves fewer and fewer places for miracles and magic. Many people are fond of the history and culture of disappeared peoples and civilizations. It's no wonder that Viking tattoos are so popular. How do they look and what do they mean?
Who are the Vikings?
Vikings call the ancient Scandinavian people inhabiting the most northern part of Europe. Today, this territory is occupied by Sweden, Norway and Denmark. There is evidence that the Vikings were very developed for their time a nation with a rich culture and a large number of classes. Unfortunately, detailed information on traditions and classification of symbols has not reached our days, there are only general knowledge about the beliefs and way of life of this people. It is not known as for sure whether the Vikings' tattoos were popular in ancient times. But most historians believe that the technology of drawing long-term drawings on the body of the population of Scandinavia could.
Basic Symbols
At the word "Viking" the majority of ordinary people imagine a tall bearded man in combat armor and a helmet with horns. But in fact, most representatives of this nation preferred to wear comfortable and warm clothes without unnecessary decorations and frightening elements. Great popularity among the Vikings used a variety of mythical symbols. These are crosses, interlacing curls and knots and whole ornaments from them. Look at the tattoos of the Vikings (photo) - one of the most popular symbols - triskele (tripod). This is a powerful magic sign, consisting of three spirals that have a common origin. It is believed that this sign symbolizes the unity of the forces of nature and natural balance.
Popular sketches
Modern Viking tattoos are images of warriors, sometimes even whole scenes of battles, traditional weapons, ships of the sea and Celtic patterns. An interesting detail - the faces of warriors are usually performed with harsh expressions or with steel calm and age-old wisdom. Do not forget about Scandinavian mythology. Along with mystical signs and deities, the Valkyries (warrior-maidens) are often depicted. Particularly popular are the stories in which they take the soldiers who died in battle into the realm of the dead - Valhalla. Popular and all kinds of monsters, mythical creatures. If you believe archaeological finds, this symbolism is often found on the flags of ships. Supplemented by traditional Viking tattoos images of birds and sea waves. In complex sketches, each of these symbols has its own special meaning. Superbly complement this style in the modern art of rune tattoos.
And were the Vikings themselves a tattoo?
Accurate evidence that the Vikings massively decorated their bodies with ornaments, no. However, based on some legends and stories that have survived to this day, it can be assumed that the Scandinavian people really knew how to apply tattoos and enjoyed using this skill. And if the modern meaning of the Viking tattoo is power, purposefulness, courage and courage, then the Vikings themselves certainly put a different meaning in the applied tattoos, if at all. Magic and mysticism were present in this nation in everything. The Vikings gave their ships special names that were supposed to protect them from drowning and unsuccessful battles, conducted various rituals, indulging gods and mystical creatures. On the basis of this, we can conclude that, most likely, a representative of this ancient nation would like to have on his body a tattoo-amulet or an image of any important sign for himself.