20 Ancient God Tattoo Ideas With Meanings

The god Zeus tattoo is a powerful and symbolic expression of Greek mythology, capturing the essence of the king of the gods in the pantheon. Zeus is known as the ruler of Mount Olympus and the god of the sky and thunder, is often depicted with a regal demeanor and a lightning bolt in hand.

The tattoo design portrays Zeus in a majestic pose, exuding strength, authority, and divine power. The intricate details of the tattoo may include elements like thunderclouds, lightning, and the iconic eagle, which is considered the sacred bird of Zeus.

If you are seeking to commemorate your Christian faith in Jesus Christ, this Jesus tattoo is perfect for you. serves as a visual representation of their beliefs, constantly reminding them of their spiritual journey and commitment to their religious principles.

According to the teachings of the New Testament in the Bible, Jesus is acknowledged as the Son of God. In this sense, the inked image serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging the wearer to strive for compassion, forgiveness, and love in their daily interactions.

Want ink inspiration from Egyptian Mythology? Consider this Ra tattoo that embodies the essence of the ancient sun god Ra. Its journey across the sky each day and its nightly voyage through the underworld became a metaphor for the eternal cycle of life and death.

It features the sacred cobra called the Uraeus with the Eye of Providence. The Uraeus symbolizes protection and divine authority. These elements combine in the Ra tattoo to convey a powerful representation of life, light, and the divine force that sustained the ancient Egyptians.

The Thor tattoo is inspired by Norse mythology and is a powerful and symbolic representation of the God of Thunder in the ancient Norse pantheon. This strength tattoo contributes to the storytelling aspect of the tattoo, turning the body into a canvas that narrates the heroic tales of Thor.

The imagery of Mjolnir is central to the Thor tattoo, symbolizing strength, courage, and the ability to ward off evil forces. Some may choose to include imagery of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, in the background, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things in Norse cosmology.

This one is such a delightful design to look at. Narasimha is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The name "Narasimha" is derived from two Sanskrit words: Nara, meaning man, and Simha, meaning lion.

The legend of Narasimha is narrated in the ancient Indian scriptures, particularly in the Bhagavata Purana. According to the myth, Narasimha incarnated to protect his devotee Prahlada and restore cosmic order by defeating the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who was immune to death by man or beast.

In Greek mythology, Athena is the daughter of Zeus and is revered as the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategic warfare. The symbolism behind an Athena tattoo can vary, but it commonly represents qualities such as intelligence, strategic thinking, and a strong, independent spirit.

Depicted with a helmet and shield, Athena is a symbol of protection and defense, making the tattoo a choice for those who seek inner strength and resilience.

Sparkling like vintage bling, this tattoo pays tribute to the ancient Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife and is often depicted as a jackal-headed figure, serving as a guide for the deceased in their journey to the underworld.

Many individuals choose this design as a tribute to their fascination with Egyptian history or as a way to connect with the mystical and enigmatic aspects of ancient civilizations. This Egyptian tattoo may symbolize the pursuit of balance in one's own life, the quest for truth, and a commitment to moral integrity.

This tattoo of god draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology. Considered as the god of the underworld symbolizing an acknowledgment of the darker aspects of human existence and the importance of confronting and embracing one's own shadow self.

Intricacies within a Hades tattoo design can delve even further into the layers of Greek mythology. Some enthusiasts may opt for a portrayal of Hades alongside his wife Persephone, capturing the duality of his character as both a feared god of the underworld and a devoted husband. 

Isis is the sister and wife of Osiris, and is revered as a powerful deity associated with motherhood, magic, and fertility. Her symbol, the throne, signifies her role as the queen and protector of the pharaohs. The depiction of Isis in tattoo art is characterized by her regal appearance, often adorned with a headdress and wings.

Some designs may incorporate traditional Egyptian symbols like ankh, scarabs, or hieroglyphs to enhance the cultural and mystical elements of the tattoo.

Did you know that Krishna is revered as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu? Depicted with a dark blue complexion, a peacock feather in his hair, and a flute in his hands, Krishna is a symbol of divine love, compassion, and mischievous playfulness.

The stories of Krishna's childhood exploits, especially his interactions with the milkmaids and his divine lover Radha, are celebrated in Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavata Purana. Devotees choose to immortalize their devotion to Krishna through tattoos that capture his iconic imagery and the profound spiritual lessons embedded in his life.

Known as the Allfather of Norse mythology, Odin is a compelling and complex figure often revered for his wisdom, war prowess, and magical abilities. Depicted with a long, flowing beard and a distinctive one-eyed visage, Odin is a central figure in the pantheon of Norse gods and plays a crucial role in the creation of the world.

As a god who constantly seeks knowledge and transcends the boundaries of the mortal and divine realms, Odin remains an enduring and captivating figure for those who choose to immortalize him on their skin.

Are you searching for god tattoos? Check out this Tlaloc (the formidable Aztec god of rain) tattoo. In Aztec belief, Tlaloc played a crucial role in ensuring agricultural prosperity by controlling the rains and fertility of the earth.

Depicted with distinctive round goggles, fangs, and a headdress adorned with feathers, Tlaloc is a complex deity associated with both life-giving water and destructive storms. This Aztec tattoo captures the essence of Aztec spirituality and reverence for the forces of nature.

Here is another tattoo that draws inspiration from Norse mythology. Freya the enchanting and powerful Norse goddess, is a captivating subject for those seeking a tattoo inspired by Norse mythology.

Revered as the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, Freya is also associated with war and death, making her a multifaceted and complex figure. Depicted as a stunning and independent deity, she rides a chariot drawn by two majestic cats and possesses a cloak of falcon feathers that allows her to transform into a bird.

Have you ever come across something like this before? Here you can see the portrayal of the goddess of love, beauty, and desire in Greek mythology. The goddess herself is depicted with flowing hair, elegant drapery, and a serene countenance, capturing the essence of her enchanting presence.

One popular way that individuals choose to honor the timeless allure of Aphrodite is by getting a tattoo depicting her iconic symbols and attributes. This Greek god tattoo influences the eternal themes woven into the fabric of human experience.

This enigmatic deity is symbolized by the image of a horned or antlered figure, showcasing his connection to the untamed aspects of the natural world. Those drawn to Celtic mythology and the symbolism of Cernunnos may choose to immortalize their reverence for this ancient deity through a Cernunnos tattoo.

Alternatively, intertwining Celtic symbols like the triquetra or triskelion can add layers of depth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The versatility of Cernunnos imagery allows for a highly personalized tattoo that can convey a multitude of meanings, making it a powerful and resonant choice for those seeking a tattoo rooted in Celtic mythology.

Here is something interesting for you, we have brought you the notion of the Moon Goddess in Mayan mythology. Ixchel as a jaguar goddess is linked to the moon, fertility, childbirth, and healing.

The goddess is portrayed with a serpent headdress, symbolizing her connection to the earth and the underworld. Ixchel is a complex figure, embodying both creative and destructive forces, much like the phases of the moon. She is revered as the weaver of life, overseeing the cyclical patterns of existence.

The name Huitzilopochtli translates to Hummingbird of the South in the Nahuatl language, emphasizing the swift and deadly nature of this god. It represents both Huitzilopochtli's swift and lethal nature and the sun.

In Aztec mythology, Huitzilopochtli played a crucial role in the creation of the world and was believed to have led the Mexica people on their journey to find a new homeland. His iconography includes a headdress adorned with feathers, a shield, and a spear, symbolizing his martial prowess.

This Christian tattoo pays tribute the The Virgin Mary and her role as the mother of Jesus, emphasizing the themes of love, compassion, and maternal care. It is accompanied by a black rose tattoo that conveys a sense of profound love.

Many individuals choose these tattoos as expressions of purity, femininity, and grace. The image of the Virgin Mary often conveys a sense of serenity and maternal warmth, offering comfort and protection to those who bear her likeness on their skin.

How would fire and water look together? This imagery of the god associated with the sea and the trickster god of fire looks nice together. A tattoo featuring Njord could capture his maritime elements, with waves, seafaring symbols, or a ship to emphasize his connection to the ocean.

Loki is known for his cunning nature, shapeshifting abilities, and mischievous exploits. Incorporating elements like flames or serpents could allude to Loki's role in bringing about Ragnarok, the apocalyptic event in Norse mythology.

Everybody loves a good story, and what better than a story of Mazu? The mythology surrounding Mazu tells the tale of Lin Moniang, a young girl born in the late 10th century in Meizhou Island, Fujian province.

Legends say that Lin Moniang possessed supernatural abilities from a young age, demonstrating a keen understanding of the sea and an ability to predict storms. She is said to have sacrificed herself to save her father and brother during a tempest by guiding them to safety with her divine powers.