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.
Founded by tattooist and designer Isar Oakmund, Northern Black was born out of years spent studying myth, symbolism, and sacred art and carving it, line by line, into skin, wood, and stone. His work is grounded in historical accuracy, contemporary creativity and a deep respect for Norse, Celtic, and Pagan traditions.
Isar’s background in tattoo artistry forms the backbone of Northern Black’s distinctive aesthetic. Known for merging mythology with bold visual storytelling, Isar’s art speaks to both the past and present - a rare feat in today’s world of mass-market Viking aesthetics. Every design begins with intention: a deity, a rune, a saga, a purpose.
The result is a body of work that feels ancient but immediate - a modern mythology forged in ink and metal, thread and fire. From bind runes crafted for strength to godmasks carved in honour and clothing and homeware steeped in meaning, Northern Black exists for those who seek to wear their beliefs, not just speak them.
Isar hails from Denmark but now lives with his family in Whitley Bay in Northern England. The Northern Black Tattoo Studio can also be found there. Northern Black is proudly a family-run business, with even Isar’s young children lending their ideas and imagination to the creation of our kids’ clothing. Proof that mythology is not just inherited but actively reimagined by each new generation.
How does Nordic symbolism influence your Viking-inspired clothing?
Every design begins with meaning. We draw directly from Norse mythology, runic systems, and the symbolism of the Æsir and Vanir to create clothing that isn’t just worn; it’s lived in. Symbols are chosen for their historical roots and spiritual resonance, not just their aesthetic. You can explore the full Apparel Collection for more inspiration.
What are the three core sources of inspiration behind Northern Black designs?
Three core forces guide our designs:
- Norse, Viking and Celtic mythology - the stories, symbols, and gods of the old world.
- Pagan and folk traditions - ancestral customs and the spirituality of nature.
- Tattoo artistry - bold lines and timeless motifs drawn by hand with ritual in mind.
What are bind runes, and why are they so popular in Pagan jewellery?
Bind runes are symbolic combinations of two or more runes fused into a single form to unite their meanings and power. Used historically for protection, strength, or intention, they have become wildly popular with Modern Norse pagans and practitioners of heathenry, seiðr, or wiccan traditions for their ability to carry personal and magical significance in a compact, wearable form. Find yours in our Runes & Divination Collection.
What makes Isar Oakmund’s Norse designs stand out from others?
How do Northern Black designs reflect Norse mythology?
All of Isar Oakmund’s designs are rooted in Norse mythology and Viking Age art. His illustrations draw on the symbols, gods, and sagas of the North — from Thor’s hammer and Fenrir’s bite to bind runes for strength and protection. Each design is rendered in bold, tattoo-inspired linework, echoing the forms of ancient carvings, amulets, and ritual objects. You’ll find these motifs woven throughout our Apparel Collection, where myth meets modern wear.
What are the best Viking tattoo books for artists seeking historically inspired Norse designs?
Our collection includes titles created by Isar Oakmund and designed specifically for tattoo artists, illustrators, and practitioners. These books explore Elder Futhark runes, bind runes, gods, beasts, and ritual markings, all drawn with historical and magical integrity. You’ll find them in the Books & eBooks Collection.
Is your Viking homeware suitable for Pagan and Wiccan households?
Yes. Much of our Homeware Collection is intentionally created with ritual use in mind — from altarpieces to skull decor and rune stones. Everything is crafted with spiritual symbolism, ancestral reverence, and functionality at its core.
How do I create a Wiccan altar using Northern Black pieces?
Start with intention. Choose an altarpiece or godmask that resonates with your practice - Thor for protection, Hel for shadow work, Loki for change. Add rune stones, symbolic objects, and personal items to build a sacred space honouring both your path and the old ways. Explore altar items in the Homeware Collection.
How accurate are online rune stone readings compared to other forms of divination?
Runes, like all divination tools, are about connection, not prediction. Our online rune readings are performed with intention and knowledge of the Elder Futhark, but no digital method can replace personal connection to the symbols. That said, they’re a powerful starting point. For your own practice, explore our handcrafted Rune Stones and the accompanying Rune Books in the store.
Is it appropriate for someone outside of Norse heritage to wear or use these symbols?
Yes - when approached with respect, curiosity, and a genuine interest in the traditions, Norse symbolism can be meaningful for anyone, regardless of ancestry.
The runes, gods, and myths of the North were once passed from voice to voice, place to place, across borders and generations. They were never meant to be kept behind closed doors or bloodlines. They’re part of a rich cultural and spiritual heritage that speaks to courage, transformation, honour, and fate - themes that cross borders and resonate with people of all backgrounds.
Unfortunately, some Norse symbols have been misused and distorted by hate groups in recent history, stripped of their original meaning and used to promote ideologies that stand in direct opposition to the inclusive, complex, and often spiritual roots of Norse culture.
We reject that entirely.
Northern Black honours the symbols as they were: sacred, storied, and shared. Our work exists for anyone drawn to the old ways - whether through ancestry, spirit, art, or path - and we welcome those who walk this road with thoughtfulness and respect.
To dive deeper into Norse mythology, symbolism, and what’s happening behind the scenes at Northern Black, explore our blog
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