101 Sic Parvis Magna Tattoo Ideas

Sic Parvis Magna has become a popular script tattoo design or larger illustration. The quote comes from the Latin and means “Thus great things from small things (come).”

It’s the heraldic motto of legendary seafarer Sir Francis Drake that also features in the hugely popular Unchartered series of video games, where Drake’s ancestor Nathan is the star.

In tattoo design the quote is used most often as simple black ink in block quote or flowing handwriting, however some ideas incorporate elements from the video game series such as cover art, coinage, or illustrative nautical maps and compasses.

The following 101 Sic Parvis Magna tattoos show off the melding of history and pop culture in cool tattoo art, that can form the basis if your net tattoo.

1. Illustrative Sic Parvis Magna Designs

Forearm tattoo featuring a detailed Statue of Liberty covering her face and a compass design with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text below' — Source: @kickz_tattoos via Instagram

Forearm tattoo of a compass over a world map with text 'Ask Believe Receive' and 'Sic Parvis Magna' at the bottom — Source: @mfila77 via Instagram

Inner forearm tattoo of a compass with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text overlaid on a detailed world map design — Source: @sir_russen via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with a compass reading 'Sic Parvis Magna,' skulls, and intricate dagger details in a blackwork design style — Source: @minastattoopt via Instagram

Tattoo of a blue eye inside a triangle, surrounded by ornate swirls and patterns — Source: @art_of_damage via Instagram

Minimalist forearm tattoo of a paw print in a diamond shape, compass design, and 'sic parvis magna' text in elegant script — Source: @yoni.1997 via Instagram

Tattoo of a map with a feather, compass, ship, and "MAGNA SIC PARVIS" on a chest — Source: @frankybigras via Instagram

Black and white arm tattoo featuring a compass, map design, and the phrase "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" — Source: @brunosantos779m via Instagram
Source: @juanmarcelotattoo via Instagram

3D-style tattoo with a bold infinity design, cracked skin effect, and 'sic parvis magna' subtly integrated in blackwork — Source: @cantodomamagayo via Instagram

2. Linework Body Art

Tattoo of a compass with an arrow and text "Sic Parvis Magna" on an arm — Source: @pineappleartandtattoo via Instagram

Forearm tattoo featuring a compass with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text and date details, set over a detailed map background — Source: @reendenam via Instagram

Tattooed arm with Latin phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" around a circle on upper arm — Source: @calypso.tattoo via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with a compass labeled 'Sic Parvis Magna' above an outlined world map in a minimalist blackwork style — Source: @devonmackeytattoo via Instagram

Black and white tattoo of a dagger with a face on a thigh, accompanied by the text "Sic Parvis Magna" — Source: @drew.inker_tattoo via Instagram

3. Upper Arm Ink

Tattoo of a shading machine with the words "Sic Parvis Magna" encircling it on an arm — Source: @corrado_damico via Instagram

Collage of arm tattoos featuring text and decorative designs in various styles — Source: @itstamiibitch via Instagram

Arm tattoo with vertical lettering, star and cross symbols, creating a clean and minimalist black text design — Source: @ivancolo via Instagram

Upper arm tattoo with PlayStation symbols and "Sic Parvis Magna" text in black ink — Source: @silko_play via Instagram

Tattoo on an arm reads "Sic parvis magna" in black script — Source: @kalogatattoo via Instagram

4. Black Ink Tattoos

Tattoo: "Sic Parvis Magna" with two birds in black ink — Source: @lozzimusprime via Instagram

Calf tattoo featuring a detailed compass design with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text and intricate directional markers in blackwork style — Source: @blackwidow_tattoostudiomalta via Instagram

Leg tattoo featuring a dagger and the text "Sic Parvis Magna" with floral designs alongside — Source: @enoch.ink via Instagram

Tattoo on an arm reading "SJC PARUS MAGIA" in black ink, with a slight sheen on the skin — Source: @escuincle7 via Instagram

Two people showing matching tattoos on arm and leg with the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" — Source: @jensoto88 via Instagram
Source: @cincirican via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with "Sic Parvis Magna" surrounded by black abstract design — Source: @legendaryanto via Instagram

A tattoo on an arm reads "Sic Parvis Magna" with hearts and spade symbols between the words — Source: @luke_a.l.p.o via Instagram

A tattoo on an arm reads "SIC • PARVIS • MAGNA" in bold letters — Source: @midoriyaslostjacket via Instagram

Tattoo on an arm reads "sic parvis magna" in cursive script — Source: @moon_richard via Instagram

Back tattoo with the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" in bold, black lettering — Source: @ms.eva_pats via Instagram

Tattoo on foot reading "Sic Parvis Magna" in elegant script — Source: @popsepopse via Instagram

Simple forearm tattoo of 'Sic Parvis Magna' in elegant cursive script with dot separators between the words — Source: @supitsdeviant via Instagram

Leg tattoo featuring 'Sic Parvis Magna' in cursive above a bold black anchor design with intricate detailing and shading — Source: @tattoolugovic via Instagram

Tattoo on an arm with the phrase "Sic parvis magna" in cursive script — Source: @tejas8k via Instagram

5. Compass Tattoo Ideas

A compass tattoo on a person's back with the date "12 Mayo 1986" and the words "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" — Source: @rubengonzalez_16 via Instagram

A compass tattoo with the Latin inscription "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" on a thigh — Source: @sammansbridge via Instagram

Tattoo of a compass design with the text "MAGNA SIC PARVIS" on an arm — Source: @abdieljg9220 via Instagram

Forearm tattoo featuring a compass with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text and detailed map lines for a travel-inspired design — Source: @ailtonsampaiojr via Instagram

Compass tattoo on forearm with "Sic Parvis Magna" text — Source: @arrigooldtattooer via Instagram

Leg tattoo featuring a shaded world map with a central compass design and 'Sic Parvis Magna' text in a bold blackwork style — Source: @blerina_banushaj via Instagram

A detailed compass tattoo featuring "Sic Parvis Magna" alongside coordinates on a forearm — Source: @busu.kawaii via Instagram

Forearm tattoo of a compass rose with "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" overlaid on a world map design — Source: @cjb_games via Instagram

Black and white tattoo of a compass with text "Sic Parvis Magna" on a forearm — Source: @dodoo_1903 via Instagram

Circular compass tattoo with "Sic Parvis Magna" text above it on forearm — Source: @ewerton_rubens via Instagram

Compass tattoo on forearm with text "Sic Parvis Magna" and "Greatness from small beginnings" — Source: @kokeyany via Instagram

Compass tattoo with "Sic Parvis Magna" text and ink splatters on skin — Source: @neuhauser_tattooing via Instagram

Forearm tattoo of a compass with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text, showcased alongside the Uncharted video game series and a gaming controller — Source: @noobfishgamer via Instagram

Upper arm tattoo featuring a compass with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text over a torn map design, creating a layered 3D effect — Source: @orlando_tattoos via Instagram

Forearm tattoo showcasing a minimalist compass design with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text in bold black ink — Source: @sixxoficial via Instagram

Tattoo of a compass with the words "Sic Parvis Magna" on the forearm — Source: @stiflerdo via Instagram

Forearm tattoo of a compass with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text, featuring detailed map accents and fine black ink work — Source: @thelioninks via Instagram

Tattoo of a compass with a date and coordinates in the center, adorned with Latin text "Sic Parvis Magna" — Source: @yararatattoos via Instagram
Source: @nachoartattoo via Instagram

Forearm tattoo featuring a compass labeled 'Sic Parvis Magna' over a detailed shaded world map design — Source: @yariservidio via Instagram

Forearm tattoo of a compass and world map with the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" on a compass design — Source: @martin_hudo via Instagram

6. Forearm Tattoos

Minimalistic forearm tattoo with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text in bold black lettering — Source: @xandran2 via Instagram

Tattoo on forearm reading "Sic Parvis Magna" in dark ink — Source: @__shadowzone__ via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with a detailed map and compass featuring 'Sic Parvis Magna,' captured against a vibrant ocean backdrop — Source: @ailtonsampaiojr via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with a compass rose and the words "Sic Parvis Magna" — Source: @ale_camici via Instagram

Forearm tattoo featuring a 'Sic Parvis Magna' compass, nature elements, and a stylized moth with intricate black and red ink — Source: @captainkrank via Instagram

Tattoo of a monstera leaf and the words "SIC • PARVIS • MAGNA" on an arm — Source: @cherrybodt via Instagram

Two people showing matching forearm tattoos that read: "Sic Parvis Magna, Sir Francis Drake, 29 Januarie 1596" — Source: @cyberwarrior6678 via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with the Latin phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" in black ink — Source: @deadpool92597 via Instagram

Man showing a forearm tattoo of a world map and compass — Source: @draconis_ink via Instagram

Arm with a compass tattoo reading "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" — Source: @furious_chopstix via Instagram

Person with a forearm tattoo reading "Sic Parvis Magna" in script font — Source: @garp_tattoo via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" while holding a steering wheel — Source: @inspirmentalist via Instagram
Source:@travstattoos via Instagram

Side-by-side tattoos on forearm and wrist: text "Sic Parvis Magna" and a cartoon bear — Source: @italianblitz via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with the phrase "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" in black ink — Source: @kevtheforeigner via Instagram

Forearm tattoo with abstract design and the words "Sic Parvis Magna" in bold lettering — Source: @manu.murdock via Instagram

Tattoo on an arm with the Latin phrase "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" in bold black letters — Source: @markjason92 via Instagram

Arm tattoo with the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" in black ink on the inner arm — Source: @neonbblack via Instagram

Tattoo on forearm reading "Sic Parvis Magna" in black ink — Source: @reegarbarino via Instagram

Two forearms with matching tattoos that read "SIC • PARVIS • MAGNA" in bold black font — Source: @shaddamivgoldenpadishahemperor via Instagram

Arm tattoo of a dagger with a wooden hilt, featuring the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" — Source: @soulful_ideology via Instagram

Forearm tattoo reads "Sic Parvis Magna" in Roman-style font with a hand resting on the arm — Source: @tatuariana via Instagram

Forearm with a tattoo that reads "Sic Parvis Magna" in stylized script — Source: @valverine30 via Instagram

7. Simple Script Tattoos

Tattoo on an arm reads "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" in black ink — Source: @abbs3y via Instagram

Tattoo on an arm with the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" in italic font — Source: @alanajones9999 via Instagram

Small minimalist Sic Parvis Magna tattoo — Source: @butterz559 via Instagram

Minimalist forearm tattoo of 'Sic Parvis Magna' in bold black script, showcased in a black-and-white portrait — Source: @elmaximo86 via Instagram

Simple tattoo with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text in bold black font, spaced with dots for a clean and minimalist design — Source: @freis26 via Instagram

Tattoo on an arm reading "SIC · PARVIS · MAGNA" — Source: @jaimefalc0n via Instagram

A tattoo of the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" in cursive script on skin — Source: @melcole04 via Instagram

Tattoo on arm reading "sic parvis magna" in simple black lettering — Source: @nosaytatted via Instagram

Man's shoulder tattoo with the phrase "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" in black ink — Source: @odiegodourado via Instagram

A hand with the tattoo "Sic Parvis Magna" on the side of the pinky finger — Source: @rc_tattoo9 via Instagram

8. Colorful Tattoo Ideas

A man with a colorful forearm tattoo featuring a compass, map, and the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" — Source: @anthonyphoenixcreations via Instagram

Forearm tattoo featuring a detailed compass with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text, accented by a vibrant red rose and green leaves — Source: @erson.vb via Instagram

Tattoo of a sea vessel with a banner reading "Sic Parvis Magna" and flames in the background on an arm — Source: @mcnitnat via Instagram

Forearm tattoo of a compass with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text, surrounded by a vibrant watercolor background in rainbow hues — Source: @renan_quintanilla via Instagram

9. Wrist Tattoos

Tattooed wrist with the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" and a ring on a leather strap — Source: @d_rez_3739 2 via Instagram

Tattooed wrist with "Sic Parvis Magna" text — Source: @d_rez_3739 2 via Instagram

Tattoo on inner forearm reading "Sic Parvis Magna" in elegant script — Source: @donatella.azygous via Instagram

A wrist tattoo reads "Sic Parvis Magna" — Source: @leehamilton_tattoo via Instagram

10. Uncharted Skull and Crossbones Tattoo Designs

Tattoo of a pirate skull with crossed bones and the phrase "Sic Parvis Magna" encircling it — Source: @corrado_damico via Instagram

Tattoo of a coin featuring a skull and crossbones with the text "Sic Parvis Magna" underneath — Source: @alayna.chloe.tattoo via Instagram

Leg tattoo featuring a pirate-themed design with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text, shown alongside the Uncharted 4 game box — Source: @fonse_k_ via Instagram

11. Chest and Side Tattoos

Side rib tattoo with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text in a minimalist vertical design, spaced by dots, in bold black ink — Source: @aldrinpietersz via Instagram

Tattoo on a person's skin reads "SIC PARVIS MAGNA" near the shoulder — Source: @eliteatattoo via Instagram

Tattoo on a man's side reads "Sic Parvis Magna" — Source: @ep_kiko via Instagram

Abdomen tattoo featuring a bold compass design with 'Sic Parvis Magna' text in a prominent black ink style — Source: @sloowgamer via Instagram

FAQs

What does the motto Sic Parvis Magna mean?

The quote comes from the Latin and means “Thus great things from small things (come).” It’s the heraldic motto of legendary admiral, seafarer, pirate and slaver Sir Francis Drake, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth after circumnavigating the globe.

The “small thing” Drake references in his motto was his commission from the Queen to mount a shipping expedition to the West Indies.

Drake went on to play a crucial role in protecting the coast of England from the Spanish Armada. Drake died from dysentery at sea in 1596 off the coast of Panama.

What does a Sic Parvis Magna Tattoo symbolize?

Most sic parvis magna tattoos are in reference to the popular video game series Uncharted. Lovers of the game and body art have gotten sic parvis magna tattoos to symbolize their enjoyment of the game and belief in the original motto.

Elements from the life of Sire Francis Drake are combined with fictional story elements to make up a large portion of plot in the Uncharted Games.

In Uncharted the main character Nathan Drake – himself an explorer, treasure hunter and seafarer – is believed to be a descendant of Sir Francis Drake.

For example, the motto sic parvis magna is inscribed on a ring belonging to Sir Francis Drake that Nathan Drake wears around his neck.

What type of Sic Parvis Magna tattoo should I get?

The majority of sic parvis magna tattoos come in script form but are executed in a variety of ways:

Simple heavy black ink script
Stylized quill and ink handwriting
Stylized script from the uncharted video games
Nautical/Map script

Other more illustrative tattoo designs referencing sic parvis magna include elements of the Uncharted game or nautical equipment such as compasses and maps.

Did you enjoy these sic parvis magna tattoo design ideas? Remember, if you’re unsure of a size, style, or tattoo design placement that you can get a temporary tattoo to test out the idea for your next tattoo. Click on the links below for more cool sea faring and video game tattoo galleries: