The best answer I ever got to give a border agent when they asked "What's the purpose of your vist?" "I'm here to get a tattoo." "Really?" "Yep." "Huh. Okay, enjoy your visit!"
It was all fun till I had to get back on the plane with a freshly tattooed arm still wrapped in film (I had the last session on the day i flew home) The security officer doing the pat down thought I was hiding something when he heard the cling film crunch. But he didn't speak English (or Dutch or German) and I don't speak Polish. Fortunately the guy behind me in line did speak both English and Polish and explained the situation to the officer. And coincidentally his plane left from a gate close to where my plane was leaving and we talked about tattoos until it was boarding time 😂
You are part of my research to get a tattoo! My grandfather was in the Norwegian Navy fighting Nazi boats while Norway was occupied by the Germans. He had two ships sink while he was on them. At his funeral we found out the limp he had was caused by shrapnel. It was the 2nd time that caused him the permanent limp. He was a tough cookie with a heart of gold! So I want to get a tattoo that honors him. Being in the Norwegian Navy during such dangerous times, as well as busting up a bar when he was called Swedish, has to make him an honorary Viking 😂
I do have the Vegvisir tattooed. I understand that it comes from the Huld Manuscript from the 1860's but I honestly love symbology in general (I have kanji too) I want to get my artist one of your books, starting a norse sleeve soon and greatful for your advice and content. Thanks man :)
I'm watching because I was commissioned to draw a fursona with celtic/nordic tattoos or patterns and I knew that the first thing I needed was research. I was disheartened by the sheer volume of ai and pinterest things online, so I had to find better sources. Thank you for your short video! I know where to start looking now
Awesome video. I have a bind rune tattoo. I thought it meant health. At least several sources stated this. However I did do research (after seeing videos like yours) that the bind is two runes: Laguz and Ing. I learned they are 2 letters in elder futhark. Laguz means water and Im an Aquarius. The Ing apparently refers to male fertility (seed) but also life. I'm a woman so...but I read it can mean growth, etc. In the end I'm happy with it. I also got it because I love history and historic forms of writing, not because I wanted something Viking.
I'm Swedish-American, and I've lived in America for 20 years, but I refuse to get a Nordic tattoo from anyone here. But, now, after researching your work, I think I may need to make a visit sometime in my future.
I drew vegvisir inside the pupil of an eye when I first learned about the symbol back when I was in college, and eventually, I did learn the truth of the symbol. I kept the drawing folded in my wallet ever since and enjoyed the idea of vegvisir keeping an eye out for my journey. I almost died while fighting wild fire, and when things calmed down and I was ok, I found my drawing in my wallet tarnished and wet. Thats why I got my symbol tattooed on my upper back. It's been a good source of courage in my heart and mind.
I did a Vegvisir the other day. I thought it was a Viking Compass but that is not why I got it. If I am correct in my research Vegvisir means way shower (compass). I placed this on my left chest over my heart because home is where my heart is and the way shower will always help me find my way home. As I am a commercial diver and spend 75% of my life away from home and out in the middle of the ocean and in my research the Vegvisir is a symbol of protection and direction. I was going to get a normal western compass over my heart but I wanted something with more meaning, In my opinion the Nordic people where great sailors and I am still happy with my choice as to what the symbol of the Vegvisir means to me. Thanks for the Vid.
I'm currently getting the original Saga of Sigurd wood carving panels done on both arms. It will not be with the wood pattern but black and grey. I may add some of the artwork from the Oseberg burial ship. I wanted to use original Norse artwork and get the Saga I love the most.
I think you're advice is 💯 honest, I agree with your opinions and hope people pay attention to your chat. I take my time planning my tattoos and work with my artist to fit and customize (free hand). ❤ your channel. Gonna follow.
I have both the Aegishjalmur and Vegvisir tattooed. The former on my left and the latter on my right inner wrist. Tbf I knew beforehand they're Icelandic staves. They just look metal af and I like the symbolism. People just need to do more research before getting anything from another culture tattooed.
I also have the Aegishjalmur tattooed. It’s a beautiful symbol, and to be totally honest didn’t know as much about it at the time as I do now. Finding out that it is Christian was interesting as my dad is a devout Christian, and this tattoo now symbolises a bit of him, as well as my love for Icelandic history.
This is such a great video. You are spot on regarding gathering ideas from art books, etc. One artist who inspired a few of my tattoos was Frank Frazetta. Completely fictional characters, but it was the 80's. So anyway,, good on you. Keep up the good work and always encourage people to think before they ink.
I'm truly sorry if you already mentioned it, but an amazing ressource to true viking art, is looking at Scandinavian Museum exhibitions. They often have very detailed information (literature and photos) of for example metal detector finds, which are often extremely detailed.
One thing I've noticed about people who get tattoos is the majority just want whatever looks cool regardless of originality. The same reason most people wear the same clothes as people they admire. I also think there's nothing wrong with having a tattoo that's not 100% original. It's just pretty pictures and sometimes best not to overthink it 😍 Keep up the great content! - Axel
I would also add the Brand of Sacrifice symbol. People get it thinking its just a bindrune, and while it is Nordic inspired, its a fictional symbol from a manga.That also, in the context of the story, its something you probably might not want to get it.
That one has become so ubiquitous in the Trailer Pagan sphere that a buddy of mine has had to field questions about it. He's an anime nerd, and got the tattoo purely for the anime itself, but he's had several wanna-be Odin worshippers ask if he's a Pagan (or, more ridiculous, a "berserker").
I'm planning to get myself a whole arm tattooed and your advice was SUPER FUCKIÑG USEFUL. Thank you very very much, mr., appreciate it and I'll take all of what you said into account (I fucking need those books!!!)
My first and currently only tatto is vegvisir surounded by elder Futhark alphabet with some runes highlighted because of their meaning. At that time I didn't know much about history and in fact I thought I was getting viking tattoo, but anyway I am happy because I can relate my life to this tattoo. I definitelly want my next tattoo to be viking tattoo, and I am wandering if binding of Fenrir is a good choice for Viking tattoo? I plan to do this from my upper arm to my chest. This theme also has a meaning for me, but this time I want my tattoo to be a Viking tattoo. I am fascinated with your work but unfortunatelly I am unabled by many factors to plan my tattoo with you. I would be very thankfull if you would share any tips and suggestions for my next tattoo. Thank you in advance for the answer and thank you for this beautifull content you are sharing.
Why do you regret yourself? If you liked it in those days and still have a pretty cool tattoo. Yes, it may be not really old nordic stuff, but it's still a cool sign with a cool story behind.
It’s a cool Christian folk magic symbol; not Viking, but a very neat little rabbit hole to go down, and there’s some really interesting things to read about, and it is a cool symbol with some interesting symbolism, even if it isn’t what everyone says;
Good advice and You look like You speak from experience with Some Large cover up tatoos with your black hands and forearm and I wonder what You had there ?
so to make a long story short. I have rune tattoos. But, for me I used them to write words, basically translated from german into "runic" fully knowing that is isn't "correct". But: for me personally, tattoos are NOT cosmetic accessories. That's just me, I love to see a beautiful tattoo on another person but they are mostly symbolic for me. Every tattoo marks a very important part of my life or stands for something that happened to me etc yadda yadda. Why runes? Because of my family/ancestors but mostly so that no other person can read the meaning of the the tattoo. Now, I liberally use creative freedom in choosing runes but like I said I they are meant to be understood by only me.
I'm aware this might trigger you, but I come in peace and don't mean to sound an arse. So many people hate on the Vegvisir and I know it seems a 'trend' because it's portrayed as 'Viking'. But surly if you understand that it isn't Viking, but is Nordic, just from a different period and understand its meaning, then what's the issue with it? Is the issue with people thinking it's Viking and not understanding? Is the issue with the Vegvisir itself? Or is the issue with people mixing it in with combining it with other Nordic period designs?
Vegvisir is a Judeo-Christian symbol, not a "Nordic" one, and timely way closer to us modern day people than to Viking age folks. That's a bit like being interested in the history of (pre)Germanic tribes and getting a khatim symbol (black star) tattooed, because, yep, it doesn't have anything to do with Germanic tribes, but there are now a lot of Muslims in Germany, and, well, it's the same country, right? I think the main issue is that so many people claim to be very interested in a topic, like "Vikings" and their religion in this case, but they don't actually refer to historical sources, but modern day "Viking" inspired fantasy series (and Marvel movies), and say "I don't care if it's historically accurate or nah". You can like and wear, tattoo,... whatever you want, and I think that cultures and religions evolve, too, so of course we don't have to be stuck in the past with the things we do while the world around us changes. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't just mix up fantasy with history, and claim historical accuracy. And people get kind of betrayed. They are sold a "Norse symbol of protection and guardianship", and get a Judeo-Christian magical symbol, nobody knows what it means. That's not fair.
I am a guitar player and while i do my nails for playing i have watched this video. I stayed only because nearly every third sentence is with the f* word😂. Hilarious❤
using ai as inspiration or as a template to better explain the design what you want to the artist is a good thing. But yes go to a artist with those pictures and let them make something beautiful.
Ahhh. So run out and get you some Polynesian tattoos. Or Japanese. Anything. Just nothing Viking or Norse related. Because some will get sour and sensitive. Or….find it as a compliment that a lot of the human population is trying to embrace the idea. No matter how “historical” it may or may not be. You know the intention.
Ariana Grande using Google translate for her Kanji hand tattoo🙄 I don’t got a problem with people wanting to use Chinese or Kanji for their tattoos, it’s a beautiful script, just do your homework plz lmao and save us the laughter 😂
Overall, all art work is stolen at this point in time, very hard to find original artwork. The grand masters stole it from another artist at some point. AI is here to stay and I believe it’s got its pros and cons. You say don’t steal designs but then you recommend buying your book to take to another artist to essentially copy / steal / duplicate / get inspiration and so on. I haven’t seen your work but I’m definitely going to check it out. I will admit at the end there I was 50% rage 50% intrigued. I do agree with you somewhat on many fronts but your presentation was highly contradicting to what you are implying. Definitely don’t get a shitty tattoo and do your research.
He’s not being elitist. It’s a little different when people who may be uneducated or misinformed are getting what is, for all intents and purposes, a permanent procedure. This man is simply trying to help people avoid regret. As someone who would like a Norse tattoo, I want to make sure I don’t end up with something silly or stupid.
Really no "viking tattoos" are historically accurate, because we have no historical records of the norse tattoing themselves.
Of the runes and emblems is
Ja...du er dansk...lol
What about the ice maiden mummy with the deer tat on her shoulder
@@Younce_Daviesthat was a scythian woman, not related to the norse people
@@Younce_Daviesthat’s a person from the 5th Century BCE, from Siberia, and she was Turkic, not Scandinavian. So not in any way Norse
I don't have any tattoos, so it is extremely big of you to share some of your art with everyone on RUclips, thanks!
I just want everyone to have good tattoos!
I really appreciate real honesty from someone who knows the art and true meaning in historical design!
The best answer I ever got to give a border agent when they asked "What's the purpose of your vist?"
"I'm here to get a tattoo."
"Really?"
"Yep."
"Huh. Okay, enjoy your visit!"
It was all fun till I had to get back on the plane with a freshly tattooed arm still wrapped in film (I had the last session on the day i flew home)
The security officer doing the pat down thought I was hiding something when he heard the cling film crunch. But he didn't speak English (or Dutch or German) and I don't speak Polish.
Fortunately the guy behind me in line did speak both English and Polish and explained the situation to the officer.
And coincidentally his plane left from a gate close to where my plane was leaving and we talked about tattoos until it was boarding time 😂
You are part of my research to get a tattoo! My grandfather was in the Norwegian Navy fighting Nazi boats while Norway was occupied by the Germans. He had two ships sink while he was on them. At his funeral we found out the limp he had was caused by shrapnel. It was the 2nd time that caused him the permanent limp. He was a tough cookie with a heart of gold! So I want to get a tattoo that honors him. Being in the Norwegian Navy during such dangerous times, as well as busting up a bar when he was called Swedish, has to make him an honorary Viking 😂
I do have the Vegvisir tattooed. I understand that it comes from the Huld Manuscript from the 1860's but I honestly love symbology in general (I have kanji too) I want to get my artist one of your books, starting a norse sleeve soon and greatful for your advice and content. Thanks man :)
Thank you for the valknut rant, it's so long overdue.
You're most welcome
I'm watching because I was commissioned to draw a fursona with celtic/nordic tattoos or patterns and I knew that the first thing I needed was research. I was disheartened by the sheer volume of ai and pinterest things online, so I had to find better sources. Thank you for your short video! I know where to start looking now
Awesome video. I have a bind rune tattoo. I thought it meant health. At least several sources stated this. However I did do research (after seeing videos like yours) that the bind is two runes: Laguz and Ing. I learned they are 2 letters in elder futhark. Laguz means water and Im an Aquarius. The Ing apparently refers to male fertility (seed) but also life. I'm a woman so...but I read it can mean growth, etc. In the end I'm happy with it. I also got it because I love history and historic forms of writing, not because I wanted something Viking.
OK👍
I'm Swedish-American, and I've lived in America for 20 years, but I refuse to get a Nordic tattoo from anyone here. But, now, after researching your work, I think I may need to make a visit sometime in my future.
I drew vegvisir inside the pupil of an eye when I first learned about the symbol back when I was in college, and eventually, I did learn the truth of the symbol. I kept the drawing folded in my wallet ever since and enjoyed the idea of vegvisir keeping an eye out for my journey. I almost died while fighting wild fire, and when things calmed down and I was ok, I found my drawing in my wallet tarnished and wet. Thats why I got my symbol tattooed on my upper back. It's been a good source of courage in my heart and mind.
I did a Vegvisir the other day. I thought it was a Viking Compass but that is not why I got it. If I am correct in my research Vegvisir means way shower (compass). I placed this on my left chest over my heart because home is where my heart is and the way shower will always help me find my way home. As I am a commercial diver and spend 75% of my life away from home and out in the middle of the ocean and in my research the Vegvisir is a symbol of protection and direction. I was going to get a normal western compass over my heart but I wanted something with more meaning, In my opinion the Nordic people where great sailors and I am still happy with my choice as to what the symbol of the Vegvisir means to me. Thanks for the Vid.
I'm currently getting the original Saga of Sigurd wood carving panels done on both arms. It will not be with the wood pattern but black and grey. I may add some of the artwork from the Oseberg burial ship. I wanted to use original Norse artwork and get the Saga I love the most.
Those sound extremely cool! A great Norse tattoo to get, and I might steel that idea
Loved the video, brother! I’m looking forward to going through your books and examples.
Thank you for this video this is so helpful finally someone who understands “meaning”
I think you're advice is 💯 honest, I agree with your opinions and hope people pay attention to your chat. I take my time planning my tattoos and work with my artist to fit and customize (free hand). ❤ your channel. Gonna follow.
I got SISU tatted on me not saying Viking but Finland in the house
I have both the Aegishjalmur and Vegvisir tattooed. The former on my left and the latter on my right inner wrist. Tbf I knew beforehand they're Icelandic staves. They just look metal af and I like the symbolism. People just need to do more research before getting anything from another culture tattooed.
I also have the Aegishjalmur tattooed. It’s a beautiful symbol, and to be totally honest didn’t know as much about it at the time as I do now. Finding out that it is Christian was interesting as my dad is a devout Christian, and this tattoo now symbolises a bit of him, as well as my love for Icelandic history.
This is such a great video. You are spot on regarding gathering ideas from art books, etc. One artist who inspired a few of my tattoos was Frank Frazetta. Completely fictional characters, but it was the 80's. So anyway,, good on you. Keep up the good work and always encourage people to think before they ink.
I'm truly sorry if you already mentioned it, but an amazing ressource to true viking art, is looking at Scandinavian Museum exhibitions. They often have very detailed information (literature and photos) of for example metal detector finds, which are often extremely detailed.
I really want to get ALL of Baldur’s tattoo from Gow 4
That will no make you invulnerable to all threats, physical or magical.
Me watching this video after already having a vegvisir tattoo😮 it still looks cool though
Vegvisir is old futhark.. don’t let this guy tell you otherwise… as a Nordic pegan don’t let other “opinions” persuade you otherwise
One thing I've noticed about people who get tattoos is the majority just want whatever looks cool regardless of originality. The same reason most people wear the same clothes as people they admire. I also think there's nothing wrong with having a tattoo that's not 100% original. It's just pretty pictures and sometimes best not to overthink it 😍
Keep up the great content!
- Axel
I’m getting my head done, because I think it looks fucking cool ! ✌🏻
Do it! Iam all black there 😎
I would also add the Brand of Sacrifice symbol. People get it thinking its just a bindrune, and while it is Nordic inspired, its a fictional symbol from a manga.That also, in the context of the story, its something you probably might not want to get it.
That one has become so ubiquitous in the Trailer Pagan sphere that a buddy of mine has had to field questions about it. He's an anime nerd, and got the tattoo purely for the anime itself, but he's had several wanna-be Odin worshippers ask if he's a Pagan (or, more ridiculous, a "berserker").
Hey I like ragnars bald head tattoo
This guy's voice was baptised in shea butter and olive oil.
Your voice is so addictive to listen to, so soothing, lol. Narrate a story please!
Imma sound corny but I love Baldurs tattoos from god of war, im not going to copy but i am taking heavy inspo from it
I’m looking at getting a Norse mythology sleeve but I want it to be accurate. My ancestors were Danish vikings so wanted something to relate to them.
Accurate in what way? Style? Motif?
You have a very good point
Thank you 🙏
I'm planning to get myself a whole arm tattooed and your advice was SUPER FUCKIÑG USEFUL. Thank you very very much, mr., appreciate it and I'll take all of what you said into account (I fucking need those books!!!)
Would love to see a video on copied tattoos especially with shit examples of copies of your work.
We will make it in due course
When's this new book coming out, mate?
Currently available for pre order, it’s very close to done!
My first and currently only tatto is vegvisir surounded by elder Futhark alphabet with some runes highlighted because of their meaning. At that time I didn't know much about history and in fact I thought I was getting viking tattoo, but anyway I am happy because I can relate my life to this tattoo.
I definitelly want my next tattoo to be viking tattoo, and I am wandering if binding of Fenrir is a good choice for Viking tattoo? I plan to do this from my upper arm to my chest. This theme also has a meaning for me, but this time I want my tattoo to be a Viking tattoo. I am fascinated with your work but unfortunatelly I am unabled by many factors to plan my tattoo with you. I would be very thankfull if you would share any tips and suggestions for my next tattoo.
Thank you in advance for the answer and thank you for this beautifull content you are sharing.
100% with the AI artist nonsense, get that shit outta heeeeere :U
AI is great for helping out with things like research and such but using it for creative purposes is awfully shit
I like your hoodie
All good advice.
Amazing suggestions, crying in poor though 😂
Wish I found this guy's Chanel before I got a damn vegvesir unknowing and just wanted one,oh well live and learn
Why do you regret yourself? If you liked it in those days and still have a pretty cool tattoo. Yes, it may be not really old nordic stuff, but it's still a cool sign with a cool story behind.
It’s a cool Christian folk magic symbol; not Viking, but a very neat little rabbit hole to go down, and there’s some really interesting things to read about, and it is a cool symbol with some interesting symbolism, even if it isn’t what everyone says;
Which book has the design you showed on the skateboard? That is just what I was looking for to put over my shoulder!
I bought Vol.1 and 2 anyway, they will be a great gift for my artist
Good advice and You look like You speak from experience with Some Large cover up tatoos with your black hands and forearm and I wonder what You had there ?
so to make a long story short. I have rune tattoos. But, for me I used them to write words, basically translated from german into "runic" fully knowing that is isn't "correct". But: for me personally, tattoos are NOT cosmetic accessories. That's just me, I love to see a beautiful tattoo on another person but they are mostly symbolic for me. Every tattoo marks a very important part of my life or stands for something that happened to me etc yadda yadda. Why runes? Because of my family/ancestors but mostly so that no other person can read the meaning of the the tattoo. Now, I liberally use creative freedom in choosing runes but like I said I they are meant to be understood by only me.
Very interested.
I'm aware this might trigger you, but I come in peace and don't mean to sound an arse.
So many people hate on the Vegvisir and I know it seems a 'trend' because it's portrayed as 'Viking'. But surly if you understand that it isn't Viking, but is Nordic, just from a different period and understand its meaning, then what's the issue with it?
Is the issue with people thinking it's Viking and not understanding? Is the issue with the Vegvisir itself? Or is the issue with people mixing it in with combining it with other Nordic period designs?
He says shit like that while calling them vikings....which is not a name for anyone it's a verb.
Vegvisir is a Judeo-Christian symbol, not a "Nordic" one, and timely way closer to us modern day people than to Viking age folks. That's a bit like being interested in the history of (pre)Germanic tribes and getting a khatim symbol (black star) tattooed, because, yep, it doesn't have anything to do with Germanic tribes, but there are now a lot of Muslims in Germany, and, well, it's the same country, right?
I think the main issue is that so many people claim to be very interested in a topic, like "Vikings" and their religion in this case, but they don't actually refer to historical sources, but modern day "Viking" inspired fantasy series (and Marvel movies), and say "I don't care if it's historically accurate or nah".
You can like and wear, tattoo,... whatever you want, and I think that cultures and religions evolve, too, so of course we don't have to be stuck in the past with the things we do while the world around us changes. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't just mix up fantasy with history, and claim historical accuracy.
And people get kind of betrayed. They are sold a "Norse symbol of protection and guardianship", and get a Judeo-Christian magical symbol, nobody knows what it means. That's not fair.
Is it okay to have a Nordic tattoo on leg?
I have my whole head viking tattoos and parts of face 🤓🤭
I am a guitar player and while i do my nails for playing i have watched this video. I stayed only because nearly every third sentence is with the f* word😂. Hilarious❤
You would love my tats then. Inspired by sons of Loki, but not pretending to be something else than deep black and red, comic/realistic characters
are you related to Trevor Slattery?
if I had a pound for every vegvisir and aegisjalmur Ive been asked to do.... Id have many, many pounds
AI is a blessing and a curse.
Also the cursed latin runes 😭When people think that "Oh it looks like an L so it has to be an L!"
i try the ai drawing a lot of it was shit even when i put details in but some turn out good but nothing i will tattoo on me
Sound advice
May I apply the "Ohhh...That's actually...Christ...ian" label? 😁
what is he saying at 2:04?
Don’t know.. I like those kinda style tattoos.
@@b-rj1171 no, what type of style is that one tattoo he recommended with (I think) yrs
Im fairly certain he said "God Mask"@RamenHairedChild
I mean, wouldn't stealing (the design) fall in line with the ideals of people whose profession was to viking? It's kind of in the job description 😂
using ai as inspiration or as a template to better explain the design what you want to the artist is a good thing. But yes go to a artist with those pictures and let them make something beautiful.
Ahhh. So run out and get you some Polynesian tattoos. Or Japanese. Anything. Just nothing Viking or Norse related. Because some will get sour and sensitive.
Or….find it as a compliment that a lot of the human population is trying to embrace the idea. No matter how “historical” it may or may not be. You know the intention.
Ariana Grande using Google translate for her Kanji hand tattoo🙄
I don’t got a problem with people wanting to use Chinese or Kanji for their tattoos, it’s a beautiful script, just do your homework plz lmao and save us the laughter 😂
I swear sometimes he talks and all I hear is Jack Sparrow 😂😂😂
My British friend..we came to England a long time ago to visit the Christians lol
I assume you are adressing me? Try listening a little closer to the accent, as I am Danish born and raised ;).
Dansk..! God dagen viking bror
Did this guy learned how to swear yesterday
No, but the same day that you learned to spell and formulate sentences ;)
@@NorthernBlack haha damn autocorrect! but you’ve got me there I can’t even argue, have a great rest of your day dude 😂
There are no such thing as Viking people being a viking was an occupation
So basically, in short, don't get tattoos of any kind.
Overall, all art work is stolen at this point in time, very hard to find original artwork. The grand masters stole it from another artist at some point. AI is here to stay and I believe it’s got its pros and cons. You say don’t steal designs but then you recommend buying your book to take to another artist to essentially copy / steal / duplicate / get inspiration and so on. I haven’t seen your work but I’m definitely going to check it out. I will admit at the end there I was 50% rage 50% intrigued. I do agree with you somewhat on many fronts but your presentation was highly contradicting to what you are implying. Definitely don’t get a shitty tattoo and do your research.
Who are vikings? Its a verb not a noun.
Not in English it isn't.
Omg lol. The weird elitist at it again gatekeeping.
Yes, fuck me for trying to help people get better tattoos, buhuu
He’s not being elitist. It’s a little different when people who may be uneducated or misinformed are getting what is, for all intents and purposes, a permanent procedure. This man is simply trying to help people avoid regret. As someone who would like a Norse tattoo, I want to make sure I don’t end up with something silly or stupid.