All about the Raven tattoo
Crows Are beautiful and mysterious birds that attract many artists and tattoo artists. Body drawings with their image are very popular among both girls and guys.
The meaning of a tattoo
The image of a raven is found in many myths, legends and fairy tales. The attitude towards this noble bird varies greatly among different peoples.
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Ancient Greece. Ravens are mentioned in many Greek myths. There she is a messenger of the gods and a character who accompanies people to the afterlife. According to legend, this bird was originally white. But Apollo, as a punishment for the fact that she did not save his beloved from trouble, made her feathers black. After that, the bird began to be perceived also as a harbinger of misfortune.
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Ancient Egypt. In the mythology of the Egyptians, crows were treated very ambiguously. These creatures symbolized destruction and anger. At the same time, a pair of ravens personified harmony and mutual understanding between people who love each other.
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North America... These black birds were held in high esteem by the Native Americans. In the myths of the Indians, the raven often acted as a demiurge. In addition, it was often called the thunderbird. The caw of a raven has been associated with thunder, and the glow of its eyes with lightning.
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Eastern Europe... In Slavic mythology, the image of a raven is strongly associated with evil, dark magic and death. People believed that the house this bird often sits on is the abode of a witch. Therefore, they were afraid of ravens and always tried to avoid them.
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China... The image of a three-legged raven was present in Asian mythology. He was called the sun or golden bird. It was believed that such crows patronize the emperors, blessing them.
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British Isles... In Celtic mythology, this black bird was associated with the Morrigan, the goddess of war. This strong woman was credited with the ability to turn into a crow. This means that the bird itself was associated with war and death.
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Scandinavia... In Norse mythology, crows were also inextricably linked with something dark and bad. This association occurred due to the fact that there were always many black birds on the battlefields that pecked carrion. The image of the raven was also used by the Vikings. He was on the banners with which they went on campaigns. Ravens have also been associated with wisdom. This is not surprising, because in Scandinavian mythology, two birds, Hugin and Munin, were the servants of Odin, who collected all the necessary information for him, followed people and gods.
In the modern world, the image of a raven is very controversial. A tattoo depicting this bird can have several meanings at once.
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Death... This gloomy character is often a symbol of departure to another world and the rebirth of the soul. Tattoos with this meaning are often complemented with images of skulls, Celtic crosses or bones.
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Wisdom... Representatives of many peoples called these birds wise and all-seeing. Therefore, a raven tattoo can denote a keen mind and open-mindedness. It is suitable for a person who is constantly improving himself and is distinguished by curiosity. The image of the wise raven can be supplemented with images of books, old scrolls or letters.
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Mysticism... Mysterious black birds have always been considered the companions of witches. Therefore, the "Raven" tattoo can mean a person's craving for everything mystical and otherworldly. Such drawings are perfectly combined with the image of runes, Celtic signs and mysterious inscriptions.
- Loneliness... The gloomy and lonely bird also often symbolizes hermitage and voluntary seclusion. A raven tattoo is perfect for introverts who like to spend time alone with themselves. Such symbolic drawings are usually kept as simple as possible.
- Masculinity... Since this bird in many legends is a companion of warriors and powerful gods, it is also associated with masculinity. A tattoo depicting a crow is perfect for a person who is used to achieving all their goals and always fighting for their place in the sun.
It is worth noting that many people get a raven tattoo without thinking too much about its meaning. They choose these tattoos just because of their visual appeal.
Who is it for?
Crow tattoos attract both men and women. Guys usually choose more strict and dark designs, wanting to emphasize their masculinity and strength. Tattoos depicting a crow are most often stuffed on shoulders and breasts... Such patterns perfectly emphasize the relief of the muscles. The image of a raven often becomes the basis for sleeves... In this case, various thematic symbols and inscriptions are placed next to the bird.
For women, a raven tattoo can become a symbol of craving for something otherworldly. The images of flying birds symbolize love of freedom and independence. Women's tattoos with crows look more delicate and graceful. They can be located on the chest, thighs, or neck.
Black bird tattoos are suitable for creative people, as well as those who are fond of studying mythology and art.
Execution styles
Modern crow tattoos can be done in a variety of styles. Therefore, it is very easy to choose the right drawing for yourself. When choosing a sketch, you should pay attention to a number of stylistic directions.
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Celtica... Celtic style tattoos look sleek and simple. Such monochrome designs often consist of various curls and lines. A raven made in this style can be an excellent amulet.
- Realism... Volumetric realistic tattoos with black birds also look very interesting. Ravens are often depicted against a background of trees or flowers. This style perfectly helps to convey all the characteristic features of the bird.These tattoos are usually done large. They are stuffed most often on the back or neck.
- Dotwork... Tattoos made in this style are made up of a large number of dots. It is perfect for creating a crow tattoo. Sketches in this style are often supplemented with small symbolic details: roses, clocks, heavenly bodies.
- Old school. Such bright tattoos always attract attention. Previously, they could only be seen on the bodies of sailors. Colored tattoos with a clear black outline are now popular all over the world. Ravens made in this style look very original. Most often, roses, clocks or lightnings are drawn next to them.
- Geometry... These tattoos are based on clear lines. The drawing can consist entirely of them or be complemented by neat geometric shapes. Geometric style tattoos look great on both male and female bodies.
- Watercolor... Tattoos done in this style look like simple watercolor sketches. Such delicate designs are very popular among girls. Ravens are often painted against a background of flowers. These gloomy birds go well with poppies and roses.
- Minimalism... Small tattoos of this stylistic direction are placed on the neck, wrist or behind the ear. They can be either contoured or filled with paint. Usually tattoos in this style are done in monochrome. But there are also colored sketches.
- Sketch... Lovers of graphics and simple monochrome drawings will definitely like a sketch made in this style. Such tattoos resemble light pencil sketches in their appearance. Ravens are often made large. Only in this case they turn out to be sufficiently elaborate and accurate.
When creating an original sketch of a tattoo, you can combine elements of different styles. But this must be done very carefully.
Sketch options
When choosing the right tattoo for yourself, you should pay attention to popular sketches.
Munin and Hugin
Fans of Scandinavian myths love tattoos depicting these faithful companions of Odin. Two crows are most often located on the chest or back. Tattoos with them can be complemented by runes or a hammer. This tattoo symbolizes the desire for knowledge. It suits both men and women.
Flying
The flying raven is a very popular tattoo.... She symbolizes freedom and the desire to find their place in the sun. A tattoo depicting a flying crow is suitable for a strong and purposeful person. You can apply this pattern on the neck, shoulder or back. A flying raven will look good against the background of a forest or a full moon.
White Raven
Special attention should be paid to tattoos depicting white ravens.... Such tattoos look quite unusual and interesting. They are suitable for people who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd and always defend their position in life.
Flock
A tattoo depicting a flock of black birds has the opposite meaning. Such a drawing symbolizes a strong personality, always ready to defend the interests of their loved ones. A tattoo depicting a large crow surrounded by small birds is suitable for a person with pronounced leadership qualities.
Raven and wolf
These two characters are often portrayed together. The wolf and raven in many myths and tales appear as companions of the ancient gods and guides to the world of the dead. In such tattoos, the crow is usually a symbol of power and wisdom. The wolf means courage and devotion.
It is believed that a tattoo with these animals gives a person self-confidence and helps him achieve all his goals.
Raven and skull
Tattoos like this look pretty grim. However, they are still popular. A crow and skull tattoo most often symbolizes victory over the dark forces. It is believed that such a drawing protects a person from everything bad.
Raven and rose
Tattoos depicting a crow and a beautiful flower are most often chosen by young girls. Such a drawing expresses love, which is not afraid of either time or death. An important role in creating a sketch of a tattoo is played by the color of the rose. Red buds usually symbolize love and passion, white - purity, blue - originality and uniqueness, black - death.
Two-headed raven
Such a tattoo suits controversial personalities. The image of a two-headed crow looks best in the style of dotwork or graphics.... It can be complemented by runes or other popular symbols.
Wings
Tattoos depicting raven wings are also popular. Such a pattern is most often stuffed on the back or shoulders. The tattoo is suitable for a freedom-loving creative person. In some cases, an image of black and white wings is applied to the body. Such a tattoo also denotes a duality of character.
Two crows
The image of a pair of ravens is a symbol of loyalty and devotion. Such a tattoo can be chosen by both a person looking for his love and one who has found it long ago. Paired tattoos with the image of these birds also look beautiful. They are usually stuffed by lovers.
Nevermore
Fans of fairy tales and dark stories often stuff their bodies with images of their favorite characters from books or films. One of them is a raven named Nevermore. He is the protagonist of a poem by Edgar Poe. A tattoo with his image symbolizes wisdom and mystery.
The basis of the picture can be supplemented by a short caption or a full quote from a poem.
Other
Raven tattoos can complement other important symbols.
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Watch... Raven tattoos can decorate both a regular clock and an hourglass. Such drawings remind their owners of the rapid flow of time. The base of the tattoo is often done in black and white. The watch is depicted in color.
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Key... Since ancient times, wise and mysterious ravens have been considered the keepers of secrets. Therefore, tattoos depicting birds holding keys in their beaks or paws are quite common. Such a drawing symbolizes a person's craving for various secrets, as well as his desire to study the world around him.
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Dream Catcher. The image of this amulet is most often applied to the body by people who are fond of mysticism. It is believed that such a talisman protects people from bad dreams and the influence of dark forces. The image of a raven looks great against the background of a dream catcher with dark feathers.
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Plague Doctor... The image of this character in people is associated with the invasion of the black plague, which took the lives of a large number of people. He is depicted wearing a mask with a long beak. This character has always been considered a harbinger of death and an ominous soothsayer. A tattoo with his image along with a raven can mean a craving for everything mystical, as well as the absence of fear of dark forces and death.
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moon... Fans of mystical stories and all kinds of secrets will also like a tattoo depicting a crow on a background of the moon. Such tattoos symbolize the craving for loneliness and self-knowledge.
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Eye... Eye tattoos are suitable for people with well-developed intuition. They look mysterious and beautiful. Raven and eye tattoos can complement other important details. For example, images of bones, skulls or branches.
- Book... The drawing of a raven with a book symbolizes a person's thirst for knowledge. This tattoo is suitable for curious individuals. On the body, you can depict one of your favorite books. This will make the tattoo even more special.
There are also sketches with cartoon images of ravens. These can be characters from your favorite children's stories or anime. On the body, you can apply an image of Itachi with a Sharingan or a crow with a piece of cheese in its mouth. Such simple and funny tattoos are suitable for creative individuals who always remain children at heart.
Where to apply?
Having chosen a suitable tattoo, it is important to decide on which part of the body it will be located on.
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Back... It is on the back that the largest tattoos are usually found. A pair of birds or one raven flying somewhere into the distance will look beautiful there. Tattoos on the back can be either worked out to the smallest detail, or resemble pencil sketches. A small tattoo can be placed on the shoulder blade or lower back.
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Hands... Men prefer to get a tattoo depicting a crow on the shoulder or forearm. Three-dimensional drawings of birds look good there. Small contour tattoos can be placed on the wrist, and an interesting drawing, complemented by some significant symbols, can be stuffed on the wrist.
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Breast... Tattoos on the sternum are most often stuffed by men. They choose for themselves volumetric images made in the style of realism or geometry. Women prefer graceful bird tattoos, which they have on the collarbone or on the ribs. Large plot tattoos, which occupy an area of the body from the chest to the abdomen, also look interesting.
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Neck... On this part of the body, you can place both a large tattoo and a very small one. Drawings are usually stuffed on the back of the body. Small pictures with flying birds or crows sitting on branches look beautiful there. Such tattoos are complemented with triangles, runes or images of the moon.
- Legs... The tattoos on the legs also look attractive. Women love original compositions with flowers or different patterns, stuffed on the hips. Men usually apply monochrome images of birds to their calves. These tattoos are suitable for fit, athletic guys. Ankle tattoos also look beautiful. There you can place an outline drawing or a tattoo depicting a black wing.
A properly chosen tattoo depicting this proud bird will always delight its owner and remind him of what inspires him.