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Did Vikings Have Tattoos? History, Myths, and Evidence

Tattooing is one of the oldest art forms, yet historical records rarely preserve it. Since human skin is fragile and decomposes over time, there is almost no direct archaeological evidence of Viking tattoos. Unless a fully tattooed Viking warrior is discovered in a perfectly preserved frozen burial, we may never know exactly what designs, colors, or styles they used.

Did Vikings Wear Tattoos? What the Records Say

While no Viking skin has been recovered with tattoos, there is strong written evidence suggesting that at least some Viking warriors had them. The most famous reference comes from the 10th-century Arab traveler and scholar, Ibn Fadlan. In his travelogue Risala, he describes the Rus Vikings—a Norse group that traveled and traded in Eastern Europe:

“Every man is tattooed from fingernails to neck with dark green (or green or blue-black) trees, animal figures, etc.”

The Arabic term used for the color of these tattoos could mean green, blue, or black. Most scholars believe they were likely deep blue-black tattoos, created using wood ash-based ink—a method similar to other early tattooing practices.

What Designs Did Viking Tattoos Have?

Ibn Fadlan mentions that the tattoos looked like “trees”, but this description is open to interpretation. Many experts believe he may have been referring to Norse knotwork patterns, similar to the intricate designs found in:

  • Borre Style (9th–10th century) – Interwoven animal shapes and gripping beast motifs.

  • Jellinge Style (10th century) – Elongated animal figures with curling tails.

  • Mammen Style (10th–11th century) – Highly detailed, often featuring Odin’s ravens or mythological beasts.

These styles were common in Viking-age metalwork, wood carvings, and runestones, so it’s likely that tattooed Vikings would have used similar artistic elements.

Ancient Tattooed Warriors: The Scythian Connection

Though Viking tattoos remain unproven, an interesting parallel exists—the tattoos of the Scythians, a warrior culture from the Eurasian steppes. In the Pazyryk region, archaeologists discovered a Scythian chieftain’s frozen remains, dating to 500 BC. His body was remarkably preserved, revealing elaborate tattoos covering his arms and torso.

The Scythians and Vikings had trade connections through the Kievan Rus and Byzantine Empire, making it possible that Viking tattooing traditions were influenced by, or at least similar to, these earlier steppe warrior cultures.

Conclusion: Did Vikings Really Have Tattoos?

Without physical evidence, the question remains open. However, historical records suggest that at least some Viking warriors—particularly the Rus Vikings—may have worn dark tattoos featuring animals, trees, and Nordic-style patterns. If they did, their body art likely reflected the same designs seen in Viking jewelry, wood carvings, and armor engravings.

Would you get a Viking-style tattoo? If so, which Norse symbols would you choose?