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

VIKING JEWELLERY

VIKING JEWELLERY: THE ARTEFACTS OF MAGIC, WEALTH AND STATUS

From the first silver arm rings hacked into trade-weight, to the serpent brooches buried with queens, Viking jewellery was never just about beauty. It was magic, oath, and wealth you could wear on your skin. It told the gods you believed, it told your kin where you stood, and it told strangers how far your people had travelled.
Isar Oakmund
Etiquetados: History & Mythology
Lughnasadh offering table with fresh bread, sunflowers, apples, marigolds, and candles arranged with wheat stalks

LUGHNASADH & LAMMAS: THE FIRST PAGAN HARVEST

Rooted in Celtic tradition, Lughnasadh is named for one of the most important gods of the Irish pantheon: Lugh of the Long Arm (Lugh Lámhfhada). From baking bread to lighting ritual fires, let’s look at the deeper meaning of this ancient tradition and how to celebrate it in modern, meaningful ways.
Isar Oakmund
Etiquetados: Cultural Traditions
Wheel of the Year with carved seasonal names and natural decorations, surrounded by pinecones, greenery, a red candle, and a wicker star ornament on a dark background

THE PAGAN WHEEL OF THE YEAR THROUGH CELTIC AND NORDIC TRADITIONS

This guide offers a grounded look at each point on the wheel as it appears through the lens of Celtic, Norse, and folk European traditions.
Isar Oakmund
Etiquetados: Cultural Traditions
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

Preguntas frecuentes sobre runas, sellos y Bindrune

Peter Oakmund responde a las preguntas candentes sobre Bind Rune en Internet
Isar Oakmund
Etiquetados: Runes & Sigils
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
Etiquetados: 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
Etiquetados: History & Mythology
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
Etiquetados: Northern Black News
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
Etiquetados: 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
Etiquetados: History & Mythology
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
Etiquetados: History & Mythology
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
Etiquetados: Tattoos
Peter's Thoughts: Episode 1

Los pensamientos de Peter: Episodio 1

Por qué Peter comparte su arte, sus pensamientos sobre las "máquinas de arte" de IA y ChatGPT...
Peter Madsen
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.