The ancient Norsemen did not shy away from equally formidable women, but feared and revered them on the battlefield of both life and death.
Among the mythological Norse superstars, nothing stands out so boldly as the valkyrie, whose names means “chooser of the slain.”
The Valkyrie is with the warrior throughout his life, accompanying him to war and, once fallen, to the halls of Valhalla to feast and prepare for Ragnarok. She is beautiful but far from delicate, loyal but discerning, and not just any man is worthy of her selective reverence.
Similarly, a valkyrie tattoo carries a powerful message to those who look upon it: that the man who wears it has a formidable ally, and is destined for great things in both the waking world and the next. Just as the Vikings sought glory in fighting life’s literal and figurative battles, so too did they look to the Valkyrie for their ultimate reward.
The poetic beauty of a valkyrie tattoo is that she need not fit one formula or “look,” but can appear as the wearer himself would dream of such a battlefield angel. Pale or dark, thin or voluptuous, riding on her chariot or brandishing a single spear, the valkyrie is any and every woman who seeks out the true warrior, and stands as his equal for all eternity.
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1. Portraiture Valkyrie Tattoos
The levels of detail and realism that can be achieved with modern techniques make portrait designs some of the most mind–blowing tattoos in the contemporary scene. Valkyries are excellent subjects for portrait work thanks to the freedom for personalization that they provide: many clients choose to get images of wives and girlfriends incorporated into their Valkyrie’s face, allowing them to carry their own warrior angel wherever they go.
2. Black and Gray Battle Valkyrie Tattoos
Tattoos have come a long way from the monochromatic stick and pokes and crude American traditional pieces that once typified the industry. Modern artists are able to create incredible designs—from 3D pieces that look like they’re jumping off the skin to hyper-realistic portrait work—that will blow the minds of anyone who sees them. These pieces use a variety of approaches and styles, but they are all highly technical interpretations of these beautiful Norse warriors.
3. Technical Valkyrie Tattoos
The neo-traditional school of tattooing arose out the original Western style known as American traditional. While both styles are characterized by bold outlines and vibrant colors, neo-traditional work gives artist a higher degree of freedom when it comes to colors, subjects and style.
Valkyries are perfect subjects for this style thanks to the opportunity they provide for the use of vibrant colors as well as different textures in their hair, skin and armor. These are great examples of neo-traditional Valkyries that are guaranteed to turn heads.
4. Neo Traditional Valkyrie Tattoos
In the past full sleeve tattoos were reserved for sailors and tattoo artists, but in the modern world this is no longer the case. Professionals around the world are more likely to sport these large tattoos thanks to the changing attitudes about ink.
Sleeves are great for large designs thanks to the natural of the musculature of the arm that an artist can use to guide the design. These are great examples that take a variety of approaches in a number of different styles, but all have their fierce beauties as subjects.
5. Sleeve Tattoos Featuring Valkyries
Just as some people prefer black and gray designs, others require bright colors to capture their personal aesthetic. Thankfully for these folks, the variety and depth of modern color ink is greater than ever, allowing artists to create vivid scenes that look like they could jump off the skin. From pieces that take an illustrative, neo-traditional approach to hyper-realistic scenes applied in bright colors, these are breathtaking examples of full color Valkyrie tattoos.
6. Colorful Valkyrie Tattoos
Just as some people prefer black and gray designs, others require bright colors to capture their personal aesthetic. Thankfully for these folks, the variety and depth of modern color ink is greater than ever, allowing artists to create vivid scenes that look like they could jump off the skin. From pieces that take an illustrative, neo-traditional approach to hyper-realistic scenes applied in bright colors, these are breathtaking examples of full color Valkyrie tattoos.
7. Upper Arm Valkyrie Tattoos
The large size of the upper arm makes this placement a great choice for big designs while still providing the wearer with an added level of discretion as to when their ink is visible. Applied in smooth black and gray with a highly detailed approach, these Valkyrie tattoos are great examples of successful designs on the upper arm.
8. Chest and Side Valkyrie Tattoos
One placement that continues to gain popularity uses the chest and side of the torso as canvases. This placement is great for large designs and provides the artist a variety of natural lines to guide the flow of their designs. These tattoos, executed in a variety of styles, are great examples of Valkyrie inspired pieces that utilize this prominent placement.
7. Back Valkyrie Tattoos
By far the largest single canvas on the body, the back is the ideal placement for big, bold tattoos. These Valkyrie pieces take a variety of approaches in a number of styles but are all impressive for their size and the amount of detail that these talented artists achieve.
Valkyrie Tattoo FAQs
What do Valkyrie tattoos symbolize?
Norse mythology is full of dramatic tales of battles and conflict, which isn’t surprising given the fierce culture of these Viking warriors. One unique character in these violent legends is the Valkyrie. These warrior angels choose who dies and who lives in battle, then accompany the fallen to the afterlife in the hall of the slain, Valhalla.
In the Norse tradition dying in battle was the highest honor so Valkyries and their role as “chooser of the slain” are powerful symbols of protection, purity and honor. Valkyries have long been popular tattoo subjects among modern day soldiers, and the massive popularity of certain super–hero movies, has reignited interest in these stunning but deadly female seraphs.
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