8 Best Jormungandr Tattoo Designs With Meanings

Unfold stories of balance, protection, and resilience with powerful ink ideas.

Reviewed by Eve Phillips, Professional Tattoo Artist Eve Phillips Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA Gracia Odile MA linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by , BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Fact-checked by , BA (English Hons) Pahul Nanra BA (English Hons) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
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If you are looking for tattoos that go beyond their superficial appeal, the figures in Norse mythology are a perfect inspiration. Jormungandr tattoos are one such design. Also known as the Midgard or World Serpent, this character from the ancient Viking legends is an unfathomably large sea snake-like creature that protects the earth. It looks good on its own and you can also pair it with other elements from Nordic mythology to form stunning tattoo ideas. These tattoos symbolize numerous aspects, such as the cyclical nature of existence, cosmic balance, strength, and resilience. In this article, we will take you through the similar meanings behind Jormungandr tattoos and explore the best ink ideas. Read on to select your next mythical ink!

Meaning Of A Jormungandr Tattoo

Jormungandr is an important figure in Norse or Scandinavian mythology and its inclusion in a tattoo may mean many things.

  • Protection: In Norse mythology, Jormungandr wraps around the earth to maintain its balance and guard it. The tattoo can represent protection and cosmic balance.
  • Cyclic Nature: The symbol for Jormungandr is an ouroboros circle, where the serpent devours its own tail. This can symbolize the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.
  • Strength: Jormungandr is capable of protection and causing great destruction. A tattoo of this powerful creature can symbolize strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
  • Duality: Since Jormungandr is associated with both protective and destructive forces, it may represent the balance between opposing forces, such as chaos and order. Its tattoo may remind you to embrace your light and dark aspects to achieve harmony.

This tattoo may also symbolize cultural pride and heritage for someone with Norse ancestry. Irrespective of your reasons for choosing Jormungandr tattoos, there is a design for everyone out there. Scroll down to the next section to explore some of the best ink ideas featuring the Midgard serpent.

8 Best Jormungandr Tattoo Designs With Meanings

Jormungandr tattoos are majestic and intricate. They come in varying sizes and are perfect for both men and women looking for ink ideas with deep symbolism. Here are some of the most popular Jormungandr tattoos with their corresponding meanings:

1. Fenrir Jormungandr Tattoo

Fenrir Jormungandr tattoo on the arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Along with Jormungandr, this tattoo features another iconic mythological figure — Fenrir, the wolf. Its wide-open jaw and fierce eyes represent his raw power and untamed nature. The Jormungandr serpent on the top symbolizes protection and ancient wisdom. Overall, this tattoo reminds us to embrace our true instincts and the knowledge gained from experiences.

2. Jormungandr Tattoo Vorlage

A Jormungandr tattoo vorlage on the hand
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Jormungandr tattoos are usually large and require a huge canvas. However, you can also get them in smaller sizes, especially at the back of the hand. The design above depicts the serpent in a protective stance. It features fine lines and intricate details that add to its appeal. Overall, the tattoo serves as a talisman to protect the wearer against harm or negativity.

3. Norse Mythology Jormungandr Tattoo

A Norse mythology Jormungandr tattoo on the upper arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

In Norse mythology, Jormungandr is deeply connected to the sea. This neo-traditional design uses blue ink to represent the ocean and the scaled serpent appears emerging from it. This water depiction in the Norse tattoo symbolizes love for water bodies, while Jormungandr’s strong stance represents inner strength and resilience.

4. Jormungandr Tattoo Sleeve

Jormungandr sleeve tattoo on the arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This sleeve tattoo features a black and gray palette. It begins at the upper arm and extends to the wrist. The Jormungandr serpent in this design is surrounded by angry waves that fail to confirm it. The creature appears determined and headstrong. The tattoo represents a rebellion against societal norms and a desire for independence.

5. Jormungandr Arm Tattoo

A Jormungandr tattoo on the arm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Whoever said Jormungandr tattoos only look good in monochromatic schemes, did not see this piece. The neo-traditional design features bright colors like red, blue, and yellow. This vibrant palette represents the chaotic energy linked to the serpent. The tattoo reminds us that even in chaos, you can find beauty and a chance at new beginnings.

6. Jormungandr Head Tattoo

Jormungandr tattoo on the side of the head
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This piece is not for the faint-hearted! It features a Jormungandr tattoo placed on the side of the head. The design requires shaving a patch of the hair and it looks bold and funky. It symbolizes a daring personality. The tattoo could also show your connection and inclination towards the forces of nature and the unseen realms beyond.

7. Jormungandr Forearm Tattoo

Jormungandr tattoo on the forearm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The forearm is another placement where you can get your Jormungandr tattoo. Many tattoo enthusiasts widely prefer it, as it provides ample space to fit the serpent. Also, the area offers maximum visibility and is considered one of the least painful locations to get a tattoo. The tattoo above features a dark palette and embodies the concept of the cyclical nature of life.

8. Viking Jormungandr Tattoo

Viking Jormungandr tattoo on the forearm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features the mighty Jormungandr with its mouth wide open in a silent roar. You can also notice the sharp teeth that symbolize menace and power. The swirling pattern represents the serpent’s domain over the seas. The design perfectly captures the Viking spirit of adventure and resilience.

Jormungandr tattoos are perfect for showcasing your love for Norse culture and mythology. These serpentine ink ideas are aesthetically appealing and carry various meanings, such as protection and cosmic balance. They may also symbolize the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, strength, resilience, and balance between opposing forces. The listicle above features some of the best tattoo ideas you can try. However, since tattoos are permanent, it is a good idea to ensure their meaning resonates with your beliefs and ideas before committing to one.

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Eve Phillips
Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist
Eve Phillips is an experienced artist in various tattoo styles, though she specializes in tattoos with fine details and floral elements. She has owned studios for 20 years in both Australia and the United Kingdom and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of tattoo art, health, licensing, trends, current issues, and history.

Read full bio of Eve Phillips
Gracia Odile
Gracia OdileBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Gracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.

Read full bio of Gracia Odile
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Pahul Nanra
Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

Read full bio of Pahul Nanra