Rune tattoo

Tattooing runes is an art that embraces ancient symbols and the heritage of ancient cultures.


Runes are sometimes referred to as the "language of the gods", their origins go back to the history of the Scandinavian, Germanic and other peoples, and they have a rich ethnic heritage. Runes were used for writing, magic and rituals. They were carved into stones, wooden planks, or objects. Runic magic believed that each symbol had a special power to influence reality. Although runes have lost their practical significance over time, their mysterious origins and symbolism have made them popular tattoo elements that provide the wearer with more than just an image.

Today, rune tattoos are becoming more popular, combining the touch of the past with self-expression in the modern world. Yes, such tattoos are rarely seen, because they are chosen for themselves by people who want to create a drawing full of meaning or even magic power. Tattoos with runes have not only a deep meaning, which is hidden in each individual runic symbol, but also a lot depends on the place of a tattoo.

The meaning of runes in tattoos can be varied, but in general, they are often associated with concepts such as power, defense, destiny, and magic.


Each runic symbol has its own unique meaning, but together they create a deep and refined image that can illuminate both the personality and the specific values of the owner.

Runes often form the basis of a more complex sketch for a tattoo, and thus the future owner attempts to mask the true meaning of the rune. There are also runes that cannot be displayed, so in the sketch the wizard must hide this symbol to have the desired effect.

The most commonly used runes for tattoos include:

• Fehu (F): a symbol of wealth, prosperity and success in business;
• Uruz (U): Relates to strength, health and inner power;
• Ansuz (A): associated with communication, wisdom and teaching;
• Raido (R): symbolizes travel, harmony and understanding;
• Kenaz (K): is associated with creativity, energy and passion;
• Gebo (G): indicates exchange, gifts and reciprocity;
• Wunjo (W): represents happiness, joy and harmony.

These runes are often chosen by their symbols and associations, which may reflect the personal values and beliefs of the tattoo holder. Each runic symbol has its own unique energy and can be used as separate elements or combined to create a deeper meaning in the tattoo.

The Vikings had full gender equality: women fought and sailed the seas on equal terms with men and, like men, were able to adorn their bodies with magical symbols.


But today we have significant differences in the popularity of styles and drawings, and in the choice of the place on the body for their application.

Women often choose to apply such ankle tattoos. The most popular accompanying symbols for runes are the images of the eternal tree - the tree of life.

Rune tattoos for women can have various aesthetic and symbolic aspects that reflect femininity, strength and spiritual peace. Here are some popular tattoo runes that women often choose:

• Wunjo (W): The symbol of happiness and joy. Such a tattoo may express a desire for harmony and a positive life attitude.
• Gebo (G): Runa of exchange and reciprocity. In tattoos it can mark important relationships and interactions in a woman’s life.
• Ansuz (A): A symbol of wisdom and communication. A woman can choose this rune to emphasize her ability to express thoughts and understand the deeper aspects of life.
• Raido (R): Rune of travel and harmony. Such a tattoo may indicate important travel or development in life.
• Kenaz (K): The symbol of creativity and energy. This rune can express a woman’s creativity and passion for self-expression.

The size and places of application of a particular tattoo rune, of course, my vary a lot. Everything is individual and depends on the lifestyle, preferences and character. In addition, recently in tattoos, as well as in art, increasingly manifest individual traits.

Tattoos for men in the modern world are more expressive, because society is much more loyal to this type of body decoration in men than in women.


Therefore, runic tattoos in men can often be found on the calves, shoulders and chest. Usually, these tattoos are voluminous and have a significant size, the drawing is quite noticeable and for good reason, because as a popular rune men choose those that symbolize strength, courage, protection, wealth.

Most popular tattoo sketches of runes in men:

• Uruz (U): It is about strength, endurance and health.
• Fehu (F): It symbolizes material success, wealth and prosperity.
• Raido (R): Travel and harmony in a man’s life.
• Ansuz (A): Wisdom, communication and leadership.
• Kenaz (K): Energy, creativity and passion.
• Gebo (G): Reciprocity, exchange and justice.

These runes can be used as individual tattoos or combined to create complex designs that express a man’s strength, determination, and personal philosophy. Often, tattoo sketches of runes are chosen to emphasize their individuality and symbolize personal values.

The main feature of tattoo runes in men and women is the monochromatic pattern. The only exceptions are stylized composite images in color, but they have not yet gained much popularity. The main value of such a tattoo is not an aesthetic, but a symbolic component, a deep meaning hidden in each runic symbol, as well as its personal value to each owner and holder of such a tattoo.