Norwegian-Norse Tattooing

Not in possession of quite so strong and immediately recognizable a tattoo history as countries like Japan or New Zealand, for example, Norway still has some claim to influence in the world of ink, mainly due to the country being known as the point of origin for Vikings and the Norse. The imagery, mythology and art of these historical peoples have seeped into the ink world in more ways than you might straightaway know about. There is, for instance, the common habit of neatly boxing Norwegian influenced ink in with the far better known name, “Celtic.” This is not entirely inaccurate, after all, as Celtic and Viking roots are closely intertwined, but it is still interesting to pull apart this standard definition and reveal what is specifically different. Runic tattoos have Norway to thank for their existence: Ancient lettering that has a niche following in ink culture. There are also a scattering of symbols and ‘charms’ such as the Aegishjalmur and the Vegvisir (of which Bjork has one) which is meant to act as a compass and good luck charm at sea. Thor’s hammer symbol, Knotwork and characteristically stylized beasts are also counted as having their origin in Norway. There is also, obviously, the huge effect that the very Viking image itself has had upon certain genres of tattoo and specific types of tattoo lovers. Everyone has seen a picture at some point of a guy with a helmeted Viking sleeve, right? As a warrior people they stand for a variety of appealing characteristics: honour, courage, fearlessness and might.