Viking Tattoos
Isar Oakmund's guide to the gods, beasts and symbols. What each one meant, where its iconic designs were found, and original tattoo designs rooted in that heritage. Join the list for previews and first access to Kickstarter-exclusive add-ons.
A look inside the book
Every design hand-drawn by Isar
Know what you're wearing before it's on your skin
These designs weren't invented for the internet. They were cast in bronze, carved in stone and worn by people across Northern Europe. Each chapter takes one god, beast, or symbol and gives you its history, the artefacts behind it, and designs you can take to your artist. It includes symbols that aren't Viking Age at all, and explains where they really come from.
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01
The story and the source
Who they were in the myths and sagas, and where in Europe their symbols were carved, cast and worn.
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02
Why get it tattooed
The meanings people carry with them: memorials, guardians, warriors, protectors.
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03
Symbols and designs
Matching runes and symbols, plus original designs by Isar based on pieces like the Mammen hoard and the Torslunda plates.
Trusted on the bookshelf and in the studio
The go to book for traditional style Norse art"If you’re looking for traditional style Norse art for tattoos or art, this is the perfect book."
Great product, great customer service"The book itself is of good quality and the information within is well presented and informative."
Absolutely amazing"This is book is absolutely amazing. love all the work that is showen on each page of the book and how these were all structure."
Phenomenal book"Phenomenal book, well written and presented"
Straight dates. Regular updates.
You're backing a small, family-run team. Here's how we'll keep you in the loop from pledge to doorstep.
Estimated delivery December 2027, with time built in for proofing, printing and packing.
Progress from print to packing, posted on Kickstarter and emailed to the list.
Fulfilled by us, with tracking sent to every backer. This includes to countries within the EU.
Isar Oakmund
Tattoo artist, illustrator and founder of Northern Black. Isar has spent years tattooing these gods and symbols and researching the artefacts behind them, from Danish hoards to Gotland picture stones. This book puts that work in one place, along with calling out the mass-market "Viking" mashups that get the history wrong.
Browse Isar's booksQuestions
When does the campaign launch?
Tuesday 27 October 2026, at 3:30pm GMT. Everyone on the list gets an email the moment it goes live.
Can I take the designs to my tattoo artist?
Yes, for personal tattoos and crafts. The designs must never be mass produced or used for anything sold.
How is shipping charged?
Shipping isn't included in your pledge. It's charged when the book is ready to dispatch.
Is there a digital edition?
Yes. There's a digital-only tier, and a bundle tier with both the digital and physical editions.
Be there on launch day
A thousand years of Northern European design, in one book. Join the list and we'll tell you the moment the campaign goes live.