Ancient Greek Tattoos

A Greek God or Greek Goddess, what is your preference? In this blog post we will look at Ancient Greek tattoos and their meanings.  This highlights our infatuation with Greek mythology and their stories.
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Whether its a ancient greek sleeve tattoo, a leg tattoo or small ancient greek tattoo we pick out the meanings for our favourite greek characters so you can make the best choice for your next tattoo.

Greek Mythology Tattoos

Poseidon
The greek religion hails Poseidon as the “God of sea”, the name itself means “lord of the earth”.  He holds a trident that was built by the three cyclopes. Brother of Zeus and Hades, Poseidon was known to be vengeful when insulted as he protected the waters.
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As a tattoo design, Poseidon is often found with a trident, he may be accompanied by sea, fish, dolphins with storms and horses to highlight his power.

Zeus
Some would call him the “God of War” or “Father of Gods and men”.  But Zeus is the Greek God of the sky and the king of Gods. Zeus has shared responsibility of the world with his brother Poseidon and Hades.

​Governing the skies, the king of Olympus rules over skies, thunder, lightening, hospitality, honour, kingship and order.

As a tattoo idea or design, Zeus often has some great symbols including thunderbolt, set of scales, oak tree and royal scepter.  In addition, he has some amazing sacred animals including an eagle, wolf and woodpecker.

Hades
With his brothers Poseidon and Zeus, Hades is the Greek God of the Dead and king of the underworld.  As a stern and unyielding character, Hades was not moved by prayer or sacrifice. His dominion was said to be in the secret places of the earth.
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As a Tattoo design for Hades, you can find Hades accompanied with a cerberus, drinking horn, scepter, cypress or narcissus key.  

Athena
The goddess of courage, inspiration, civilisation, wisdom and warfare.  Her strategic skill in warfare and her portrayal as a companion of heroes could be said to of came from her father Zeus.  

As a tattoo idea or design, Athena often is accompanied by owls, olive trees, snakes, segis, armour, helmets or spears

Apollo
​Looking for something lighter? We have the god of sun, music and prophecy.  Though complex Apollo is one of the most important Gods as he was knowledgeable, athletic and youthful as well as ruling over medicine and healing.  Son to Zeus, Apollo is also known as the God of Light or God of Truth.
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As a tattoo design, you can Apollo with Lyre, a Python, Raven, Bow and Arrows. His animals of choice include wolves and dolphins

Aphrodite
As the name suggests, Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love, beauty and eternal youth. The daughter to Zeus was sought after and even when married had many lovers. It was said that her beauty alone could spark a war between Gods.  In Greek mythology Aphrodite ruled over love, pleasure, procreation and beauty.
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In regards to tattoo ideas, Aphrodite has many symbols including the dolphin, a rose, scallop shell, myrtle, dove, sparrow, girdle, mirror and swan. 

Ares
The meaning for Ares who was one of the twelve olympian gods is the Greek God of War. Son of Zeus, Ares ruled over war, embodying danger, overwhelming force and physical aggression. 
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For a tattoo design, Ares generally will have a choice between a spear, helmet, chariot, boar, vulture, dog or flaming torch

Hera
​As the greek goddess of marriage and Queen of Olympus, Hera was the Queen of Gods. Though the Queen of marriage, Hera was said to be jealous and vengeful to the lovers of Zeus.  Before her marriage to Zeus, she ruled over the heavens and earth then was given the title of Queen of Heaven.

As a tattoo idea or design, you will find Hera with a diadem, a scepter or pomegranate accompanied with a peacock or cow as her sacred animals.

Have you got a Ancient Greek inspired tattoo? Share it with us for a mention!