The Vikings had a great respect for the wolves of the forest, with many involved in traditional folklore and tales as violent but strong characters with great ties to the warrior ideals of family, strength, and courage.
The most famous of Norse wolves is Fenrir, a tremendous subject for a variety of Norse wolf tattoo designs.
The following gallery is a brilliant collection of Norse wolf tattoos which tie symbolism and art together into 55 worthy designs that can provide a useful stepping-stone for your next tattoo.
1. Valknut Norse Wolf Tattoo Ideas
Source: @marcy_nielsen via Instagram
Source: Marcy Nielsen Tattooing
2. Norse Wolf and Vegvisr Tattoo Ideas
3. Traditional Tattoos
4. Upper Arm Fenrir Wolf Tattoo Ideas
5. Tattoos for the Forearm
6. Heavy Black Ink
7. Dotwork and Technical Tattoos
8. Neck and Shoulder Tattoo Ideas
9. Tattoos for the Leg
10. Color Tattoos
11. Realistic Tattoos
The Giant Wolf Fenrir
Fenrir was the son of the trickster Loki and Giantess Angrboda, the giant wolf chained by the Aesir but fated to break free for Ragnarok and devour Odin.
According to writer Daniel McCoy, “Perhaps the Vikings thought that it is ultimately Fenrir who, in addition to killing Odin and destroying much of the world, will eat the sun and the moon during Ragnarok.”
McCoy also believes that many other mythological wolves such as Garm and Skoll were different reflections of the Fenrir legend.
Many Viking tattoo depictions of Fenrir include realistic or Norse traditional breaking free from his chains to wreak havoc.
Other wolf tattoo art includes the use of common sigils such as runes, the Valknut (three triangles) or Vegvisr (the Viking compass).
FAQs
What did the giant wolf Fenrir symbolize in Norse Mythology?
The wolf most associated with Norse tattoo comes via the giant wolf Fenrir.
Dictionary.com defines Fenrir as: “a wolflike monster, a son of Loki and Angerboda, chained by Gleipnir but destined to be released at Ragnarok to eat Odin and to be killed by Vidar.”
Most realism style interpretations of Norse wolf tattoos feature Fenrir, snarling and violent, either chained or breaking free from his shackles.
What does a common wolf tattoo symbolize?
A wolf tattoo is a great way to display strength, familial loyalty and devotion. The wolf is a pack animal. For every lone wolf on the prowl, there are ten more who work within their family unit.
Wolves are fierce, naturally loyal creatures that hunt together and rely on each other for survival. They have a clearly defined family structure with clearly articulated roles and responsibilities.
Some people get their family wolf pack tattoo, a single wolf paw tattoo, or protective image of the snarling, angry wolf.
What is the Meaning of a Vegvisir (Viking Compass) tattoo?
Combining the Old Norse words vegur (way or road) and visir (pointer), the literal meaning of Vegvisir is to point the way. According to the Huld Manuscript – an Icelandic collection compiled in 1880 – the symbol was quite powerful.
If carried, the Vegvisir would keep a person on track through storms and all types of bad weather, even if they didn’t know where they were going.
What does the valknut tattoo mean?
The valknut is three interconnected triangles, whose name was coined by the Old Norse words valr, meaning ‘slain warriors’, and knut, meaning ‘knot’. The exact meaning behind the symbol is unknown but has had several explanations supposed by Norse Mythology scholars.
It is mainly believed to have been used by Germanic Pagans, as it appears on many objects during the 8th and 9th century, the time of their existence. It is also supposed to represent the power of Odin, who had the ability to ‘bind and unbind’ a person’s mind during battle.
Because the symbol often appears on burial gifts during these time periods, it is assumed that it is associated with death and the afterlife.
What does a howling wolf tattoo mean?
An alpha wolf is known for howling at the moon to communicate with other wolves. A howling wolf tattoo represents strength, free spiritedness, and a connection to being wild, free, and unfettered.
Some individuals can feel like a rebellious lone wolf in society. The concept of being free and wild is quite liberating. A wolf is truly one with nature, roaming the wilderness with the ability to protect itself and survive on its own.
Some interpret this as protecting a secret or carrying a burden.