Northern Black

News & Insights

Welcome to the Northern Black blog - where ancient myths meet modern mischief. From runes to ravens, we're all about the stories, symbols, and spirit of the North. Whether you're deep into Norse lore or just like your style with a bit of bite, you’re in the right place

5 Viking Tattoos You Should NOT Get

5 Viking Tattoos You Should NOT Get

Have you ever thought about what tattoos we seem to think are viking tattoos but are completely made up? Today we go through some examples and tell you the real meaning behind them.

Isar Oakmund
Tagged: Tattoos
Yule enjoy learning about Pagan Origins of Christmas traditions!

Yule enjoy learning about Pagan Origins of Christmas traditions!

Join us as we highlight pagan traditions that Christianity took and altered to be a part of what we now know as Christmas.
Isar Oakmund
Keep Forging Forward: Bindrune Project with Tank Tolman

Keep Forging Forward: Bindrune Project with Tank Tolman

Isar and Tank have banded together to make three bindrunes that are meant to help anyone who needs a bit of a positive boost. 
Isar Oakmund
Tagged: Runes & Sigils
Meet the Mischievous Children of Loki

Meet the Mischievous Children of Loki

It is autumn, it is gloomy, it is almost Halloween, so what better time than now to dive into the dark gods of Norse myth. Norse mythology, we can safely...
Isar Oakmund
Blue book on a beach stone. Contains everything you need to know about Viking Art.

The One Book Every Viking Enthusiast Should Own: The Viking Art Tome

Have you ever wanted a deeper look into our best selling book called The Viking Art Tome but never got the chance? This is the place to be and place to read up on what secrets does the Viking Art Tome carry. Join us as we dive deep into how this tome got made and what can you expect inside.
Isar Oakmund
What Are Nordic Runes? Why do we use them today?

What Are Nordic Runes? Why do we use them today?

Join us as we dive into the history of Nordic Runes and their origins. We will explain how the perception of them has changed over the years and how do we use them today. Each rune will be presented with correct pronunciation and meaning.
Peter Madsen
Tagged: Runes & Sigils
HUNG LIKE A GOD: How Odin Sacrificed Himself In The Pursuit Of Knowledge

HUNG LIKE A GOD: How Odin Sacrificed Himself In The Pursuit Of Knowledge

There are many tales of Odin, and all of these tales have been told and retold countless times. The oldest versions we know of, would even themselves be retellings. There is a beauty to the life of tales told, and we hope you will retell it yourself.
Peter Madsen
Isar tattooing Nordic sleeve on client

Ink and Influence: How Viking History Shapes Our Art at Northern Black

At Northern Black, our location near Whitley Bay immerses us daily in the legacy left by Vikings over a millennium ago. The influence of these ancient Norse explorers on our contemporary lives and practices, both intentional and unintentional, is profound. Isar Oakmund brings a personal connection to this history, hailing from Scandinavia himself. This blend of past and present inspired us to explore and share how Viking traditions have shaped the towns around our studio and continue to impact our community today.
Gill Dixon
Discover the Best Nordic Tattoo Artists – Our Top Picks

Discover the Best Nordic Tattoo Artists – Our Top Picks

Discover the world of Nordic tattoo artistry with Northern Black. In this blog, explore the work of five standout Nordic tattooists who have made a global impact. Join us in celebrating their talent and ambition in the captivating world of Nordic tattoos.
James Scrivener
Tagged: Tattoos
God Mask FAQ's

God Mask FAQ's

Peter Oakmund answers the Internet's burning God Mask questions

Peter Madsen
Peter's Thoughts: Episode 1

Peter's Thoughts: Episode 1

Why Peter shares his art, his thoughts on AI "art machines" and ChatGPT...
Peter Madsen
Runes, Sigils and Bindrunes book including Viking, Norse and Icelandic magical bind runes for love, marriage, wealth and protection. Also includes full bind runes list using the Elder Futhark

Runes, Sigils & Bindrune FAQ's

Peter Oakmund answers the Internet's burning Bind Rune questions
Peter Madsen
Tagged: Runes & Sigils
Northern Black

PAPER & INK

Viking books that dive deeper than surface legend. This collection is steeped in Norse mythology, tattoo artistry, and raw northern symbolism.