Are you a big fan of Norse mythology, particularly the creature Fenrir? Fenrir — the beast of Ragnarok — has a huge fan base. The popularity of this fierce Norse wolf has led many to get inked with a daring Fenrir tattoo.
Fenrir is a wolf from Norse mythology that is considered one of the strongest and most dreaded creatures. In Nordic mythology, Fenrir is a beast that possesses all the evilness of a wolf and sends chills down the Asgard Gods’ spines. In Nordic countries, wolves are both feared and respected. Feared because of their strength and respected because they’re loyal to their family packs. Today, Fenrir tattoo designs are considered among the most popular Norse tattoos. They’re extremely popular for being excellent symbols of someone who’s risen above all their troubles.
In this article, I’ve compiled 15 of the fiercest Fenrir tattoo designs on the internet. Each piece’s artist is praiseworthy, so to look up more designs by the artist you can follow the source mentioned beneath their design. Beneath each tattoo design picture, there’s an insightful overview of the story and meaning behind the tattoo. Towards the end of the article, do check out the faqs section for clarification on any further doubts about Fenrir tattoos.
Fierce Fenrir Tattoo Designs
Without further ado, here are 15 of the fiercest Fenrir tattoo designs that have people talking:
1. Fenrir & Jörmungandr Tattoo
Source: 9gag.com
This is a very detailed black and grey tattoo of Fenrir and Jörmungandr. The design is placed on the side of the upper back and shoulder area. This is a fierce tattoo of two extremely dangerous Norse mythology creatures. The two brothers depicted above, the wolf Fenrir and the huge sea serpent Jörmungandr, were the sons of Loki and Angrboða.
2. Fenrir in Chains
Source: tattoomenow.com
In Norse mythology, Odin, being the god of wisdom and the king of Asgard, had found out about the prophecy that Loki and Angrboða’s 3 children (Fenrir, Jörmungandr, and Hel) would cause a threat for the gods. He then immediately had Jörmungandr thrown in the sea and Hel sent to the land of the dead. He ordered his fellow gods that the third sibling, Fenrir, be raised among the Aesir. As he grew to be a monster, the gods became scared of his size and had him chained up. Several times, Fenrir was challenged to break the chain, which he successfully did.
3. Fenrir and Tyr Tattoo
Source: Tattoo_Swede on Flickr
In Aesir, Fenrir was fed by the god Týr, and he grew larger and larger into a monstrous wolf. Týr was appointed by Odin to raise the wolf cub so that the cub was kept in their control and didn’t grow up to be a threat to the Nine Worlds.
4. Realistic Tattoo of Fenrir in Chains
Source: @mrdist on Instagram
This is another incredible tattoo. It depicts the scene when Fenrir breaks free from one of the multiple chain challenges put forth by Odin and the other gods. The tattoo depicted here is realistic and fierce. The detailing in the wolf’s expressions, particularly the eyes and ferocious bite, trigger an instant fear in the mind of the onlooker.
5. Fenrir Eating the Sun Tattoo
Source: @willisjosh on Instagram
As per one of the versions of the Norse myth, it was believed that Fenrir shall devour the sun and then fight the chief god Odin and eventually swallow him in Ragnarök. The tattoo design depicted above placed on the shoulder shows an image of the ferocious wolf on that very mission. Above, Fenrir is seen eating the sun after having broken free from the chains.
6. Fenrir Chewing Tyr’s Hand Tattoo
Source: @electricwizard_tx on Instagram
As Fenrir was easily able to break free from the chains, the gods then asked the dwarfs to make a magical string. This string was called ‘Gleipnir,’ meaning “tangler” or “deceiver.” Once again, Fenrir was asked to break this chain, which this time was a magical, silky, ribbon-like string. He agreed, but with the condition that one of the gods should put their hands in his mouth to prove there’s treachery afoot. To this, Týr agreed. Earlier, Tyr had bet his hand that the gods would keep trying to bind Fenrir.
This new chain was tricky. Fenrir’ felt disappointed as he couldn’t break free from it and so he bit Týr’s hand at the wrist. The fact that Tyr stood by this word to Fenrir, is a testament to his goodness and loyalty towards Fenrir. After all, he had raised Fenrir since the time was a pup.
7. Fenrir with Sword in his Mouth Tattoo
Source: tattoosdesignslive.com
This colorful tattoo depicts what happened after Fenrir reacted violently in reaction to the gods’ trickery. As he tried to bite the gods, the gods immediately thrust a sword into the wolf’s wide-open mouth. The jaws were held open and he couldn’t eat the gods at the spot.
8. Traditional Fenrir Tattoo
Source: @liquoricetattoo on Instagram
This is a wonderful example of the fierce Fenrir wolf inked in tribal style. You can see the ferocious teeth and eyes as the chains envelop the creature and he tries to break free. This large design looks great placed in the upper chest and shoulder area.
9. Fierce Fenrir Tattoo on Leg
Source: @nickybrennan67 on Instagram
This realistic tattoo of the Norse beast, Fenrir, looks great on the shin. The full-frontal image depicts the dangerous wolf on the attack with the chains disintegrating in the process.
10. Fenrir in Battle with the Gods Tattoo
Source: tattoosdesignslive.com
The tattoo shown above is inked vividly on the forearm. It shows the battle between Fenrir and the gods of Asgard. In the Ragnarok battle, Fenrir fought the gods alongside Loki’s forces. The sole purpose behind the creation of Fenrir was to destroy the gods of Asgard. Odin realized early on, that the cub would grow up to create havoc. Hence, Odin ordered that the cub be supervised by his people so that he grew up under their control. The beast grew up rapidly. Its violent character and malignant nature became more and more evident. He began hating the gods, especially Odin, all of whom he battled.
11. Fenrir Watercolor Style Tattoo
Source: lifeupfront.com
This watercolor-style tattoo shows Fenrir howling with his mouth wide open while he’s in battle with the gods. His lower jaw is stretched down to the ground, while the upper jaw is towards the sky. The vicious beast, Fenrir, devoured everything that he encountered in his path. He never gave up!
12. Fenrir & Jörmungandr Valknut Tattoo
Source: @mato11x on Pinterest
The Valknut is the most enigmatic symbol of Norse mythology. The symbol comprises three interlocked triangles, and its likely modern Norweigen compound translation is “knot of those fallen in battle.” This symbol is often associated with Odin, or his associated horses or wolves — the two animals often were companions of the god Odin. In this case, Fenrir and his younger brother Jörmungandr (the sea serpent) are featured with the Valknut symbol.
13. Traditional Fenrir Tattoo on Head
Source: outsons.com
The above tribal tattoo design with dot work depicts Fenrir eating the sun. This tattoo looks great placed on the side of the skull.
14. Fierce Red-Eyed Fenrir Wolf Tattoo
Source: Stygiangallery.com
In Norse mythology, Fenrir is a giant wolf with black or demonic red eyes. Such eyes symbolize his dark soul and belonging to Loki’s league. Fenrir is the most ferocious wolf that destroys everything in his path, and his angry red eyes represent the fire within. This is yet another tattoo depicting the dreaded Fenrir breaking free from the chains and heading to battle the gods. This tattoo looks great on the arm.
15. Odin & Fenrir Tattoo
Source: @Vitorfernando on Pinterest
This is another great tattoo idea. On one of the inside forearms, there’s an image of the prominent Norse god ‘Odin,’ who was the protector and king of Asgardians. A tattoo of Odin symbolizes the characteristics of wisdom, knowledge, death, healing, battle, poetry, victory, royalty, sorcery, and more. On the other inside forearm, you have a tattoo of Fenrir with the Valknut symbol. Odin helped raise Fenrir so that the latter wouldn’t turn against him and the Nine Worlds. The turn of eventual events, however, as mentioned earlier, was totally different.
Fenrir Tattoo FAQs
1. What was the symbolism of the dreaded wolf Fenrir in Norse Mythology?
The gigantic wolf Fenrir is the most famous wolf from Norse mythology. He is the son of the trickster Loki and Angrboða. He was ultimately chained by the dwarf-created Gleipnir thread chain. He eventually got released at Ragnarok, upon which he ate the god Odin. Later, he was killed by Odin’s son Vidar. Most of the tattoos featuring Norse and wolf depictions will feature Fenrir as a violent wolf that is either chained or breaking free from the chains and out to create havoc for Odin and the Asgard gods. Strength and loyalty are the two biggest traits symbolized by Fenrir tattoos.
2. What is the meaning of the Valknut tattoo?
The three interconnected triangles that make up the Valknut symbol, represent the power of Odin. Although the exact meaning of the symbol is unclear, it is most commonly associated with the afterlife and death. Furthermore, as per Norse mythology scholars, Valknut is a modern Norwegian compound word coined by the Norse words ‘vair’ and ‘knut,’ wherein the former means “slain warriors,” and the latter means “knot.”
3. What does a wolf tattoo generally mean?
The main things that come to mind when we think of getting a wolf tattoo are the common wolf characteristics, strength, fierceness, spirituality, family pack loyalty, and devotion. Being a pack animal, there is a group of family members associated with every lone wolf. So there’s always someone watching your back when you’re a wolf. The pack sticks with each other with optimal loyalty. Moreover, wolves work together as a family unit to do their hunting and depend on each other for survival. It’s a wonderful idea to get a wolf tattoo, it works as a protective image inked on your body.
4. Where should I put my Fenrir wolf tattoo?
The most popular locations to put Fenrir tattoos are on the upper arm, inside forearm, side of upper back, chest, shoulders, and shins. These areas are the most preferred for optimal visibility. Mini Fenrir wolf tattoos can be inked on the outer hand, side of the bald head, and the back of the neck.
5. Is it a negative thing to have a Fenrir tattoo?
Absolutely not. If you look at the deeper meaning behind each of the Norse mythological characters there is a great deal of positivity underlying each creature and god. Fenrir, for instance, was set out to destroy Odin and the people of Aesir because he’d been tricked by them multiple times. He was assured he was being chained only to be tested for his strength, while the truth was he was being bound by the gods each time he broke free from the chains.
Fenrir was a legendary Norse wolf. He was fierce, strong, family-oriented, loyal, and had all the great qualities wolves have. Hence, the symbolism of a Fenrir tattoo, for you, should mean all those things. Simply because Fenrir never gave up and rose above all troubles.
Conclusion
The symbolism of Fenrir sparks eternal strength, incredible abilities, and a terrifying legacy. Fenrir faced a lot of troubles and rose above them all through his incredible powers and abilities. The above examples of Fenrir tattoos are great because they represent these powers and abilities. If you want to be encouraged and energized by Fenrir’s impeccable stamina, speed, agility, and monstrous strength among other powers, go ahead and get inked with a Fenrir tattoo today!
By
