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In this way, a sword represents not only strength but love and dedication to those you care about.
On the flip side, a sword tattoo can also represent the expert skill and talent that goes into forging a masterful blade. In this way, it can represent your dedication to your craft.
The best thing about sword tattoos is that there is a nearly infinite number of styles to choose from. You can go with the tried and true medieval European broad sword, the dashing and daring pirate cutlass, or the sleek and sexy Japanese katana just to name a few. And remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one sword type, you can have an entire arsenal of swords tattooed on you for a dance of blades that will wow anyone who sees it.
If conventional swords aren’t your thing, get creative and get a tattoo of something truly out of this world such as futuristic swords, alien swords, or swords so abstract that even our ancestors wouldn’t be able to comprehend them.
Swords are one of the most versatile weapons ever created by humankind so it’s only right that they’re also one of the most versatile tattoo choices you can pick as well since they can easily be expanded upon into more elaborate tattoos at a later date if you feel like it.
Popular sword tattoo design idea inspiration:
Iconic bladed swords you should consider: 1. Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi: This legendary Japanese sword is believed to have been used by the god Susanoo to slay the 8-headed dragon Yamata no Orochi. It is said that Susanoo presented the sword to his sister, the goddess Amaterasu, and it has been kept at Atsuta Shrine ever since. The sword is also a powerful symbol of the Imperial family and has been used in various ceremonies throughout Japanese history.
2. Joyeuse: This sword was supposedly given to Emperor Charlemagne by an angel in 786AD and he used it to behead the Saxon leader Widukind. It is a double-edged sword made of steel and gold with a golden hilt and a gemstone set into it. According to legend, when the sun shone on Joyeuse, it would emit a bright light and sound like a harp string being plucked.
3. Durendal: This French blade was supposedly given to Charlemagne’s paladin Roland by an angel in 778AD as a symbol of his courage and loyalty in battle. The sword was made from steel and had an inscription on its blade that read “My name is Durendal, I am Roland’s Olifant”, referring to a magical horn that could summon help in times of need. It is said that Roland used it to cut off the Saracen king’s head during the Battle of Roncevaux Pass.
4. Sword of Mercy: This British sword was presented to King Edward III by Pope John XXII in 1348 as a symbol of his mercy towards his enemies on the battlefield. The blade was made from Damascus steel and had a pattern of roses engraved on it, along with an inscription reading “My name is Mercy, I was made in England”. The Sword of Mercy has been used in royal ceremonies ever since, including coronations and investitures.
5. Zulfiqar: This Persian sword was believed to have been given to Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s son-in-law and fourth caliph, by the Archangel Gabriel during the Battle of Khaybar in 628 AD. The blade had two curved points resembling a pair of scissors and was inscribed with Arabic writing that translates as “There is no conqueror but Allah” or “No victory but through God”. It has become a symbol of power in Islamic tradition and is still used today as part of royal regalia in some countries around the world.
6. Excalibur: This British sword was gifted to King Arthur by the Lady in the Lake and was said to be magical. It was made from a single piece of iron and had two edges, one sharpened and one blunt. The sword was believed to have been imbued with mystical powers, including the power to heal wounds, make the bearer invincible in battle, and even return to its owner’s hand when thrown.
7. Curtana: This sword was presented to Edward III during his coronation in 1327 as a symbol of mercy and justice. It is a double-edged sword with a blunt tip and a hilt made of ivory. Its blade is inscribed with the words “My name is Curtana, I am the Sword of Mercy”. The sword has been used in various coronations ever since and is believed to have special powers that prevent its wielder from becoming too powerful or corrupt.
8. Durandal: This French sword was said to have been owned by the hero Roland during the 8th century AD, although some believe it actually dates back to Roman times. It is made from Damascus steel with a gold hilt and an inscription reading “My name is Durandal, I am Roland’s Olifant”, referencing an enchanted horn Roland would blow if help was needed on the battlefield. The sword has become an important symbol of France and is still used in various ceremonies today.
9. Sword of Goujian: This Chinese sword dates back to around 400 BC and was discovered inside a tomb during an archaeological excavation in 1965. It is made from high-quality steel and features an inscription that translates as “Made by Goujian, King of Yue”, referring to an ancient state located in what is now Zhejiang Province. The sword is believed to have magical properties that can still be felt today, making it one of the most famous swords worldwide.
Here’s an incredible way to capture the sheathed sword carried by the hip, tattooed on the hip. This ornate Gothic sword features a blackwork design complete with cool dotted embellishments and a flower background. Outside of small tattoos, the hip area is my favorite place for larger sword themed design ideas. The design just goes so naturally well with this part of the body. It’s as if you can simply reach down with one hand and draw your sword towards your opponent with grace and confidence.
Ever been heartbroken? I’m sure you have. Capture the misery and revenge with this stunning Gothic sword tattoo design. An anatomical heart with blood vessels drips blood while a blackwork sword features awesome details. For added flair you’ll find a dotwork, negative space geometric pattern above the handle of the blade. Placed on the leg, this female tattoo takes truly cool to a new level.
For a feminine approach, you don’t have to forgo beautiful details at all. Simply consider toning down the amount of black ink and go with softer grey hues. This sword and crown tattoo is a wonderful example of how to take more masculine objects and turn them into lady like instruments of power. Note the fun details on the handle alongside the purple gemstone just above the blade.
Take your sword design to new heights by adding a magical UV blacklight ink background littered with stars. How cool is this outer space sky background that surrounds a curved sword? The blue glowing cloud above gives the impression that the sword blade is perhaps lighting. Regardless of how you interpret the design, one thing is certain: It has a downright magical feel that anyone can admire.
Placed on the arm, this ultra-realistic small sword tattoo features a remarkable finely detailed design. Gold, black and silver elements all work their magic to give this bladed instrument a cool, modern look. Personally, I love small tattoos such as the one above that really harness the power of using fine details in the design. Even something as simple as a sword can be a sight to see when done with the utmost care and attention to detail.
I love the way the flowers, branches and leaves wrap around this vertical sword. Placed just above the inner elbow, on the lower arm, this female tattoo is exceptionally graceful and beautiful. Note how the flowers at the top have fully bloomed while the lower flowers are slowly opening from a closed position. Perhaps this element offers some hidden meaning to the design?
When it comes to sword tattoos, you don’t have to go ultra-girly. Here’s a prime example of how you can get a little edgy and venture into the gothic side of things. This tricep tattoo features an old sword design and utilizes only black ink to keep things simple, mysterious and all-powerful.
Sword tattoo meanings and symbolism:
What do sword themed designs mean and symbolize?: Swords have been an iconic symbol throughout history, representing power, strength, courage, and justice. Throughout many different cultures, the sword has become a symbol of honor and respect. In the 1600s, swords were used in warfare and were symbols of power and authority. They were also symbols of social status and held a great deal of meaning for those who possessed them.
The sword was first used in Europe during the Bronze Age (3000-1000 BC). It was initially used as a tool for cutting and hunting, but later on it became a weapon of war. Swords were made from iron and steel and were a status symbol for aristocrats and warriors alike. Owning a sword was a sign of wealth and prestige, as well as an indication that a person was a skilled fighter or warrior. Swords were not only weapons but also symbols of authority, loyalty, courage, strength and justice. They became an important part of the knightly code of chivalry. Knights would often carry two swords with them – one on their hip to indicate their rank or position in society and another on their back as a symbol of honor and protection.
In this period, symbols such as swords were also used to mark boundaries between different territories. The sword was seen as a way to protect one’s land from outside forces. It was also seen as an indication that one was willing to defend their home or country if necessary.
Swords have also been used as symbols of religious faith throughout history. Christians in particular viewed the cross-shaped sword as a symbol of their faith in Jesus Christ as their savior. The cross-shape was believed to represent both Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection from his death. As such, the symbol became associated with courage, strength, and justice when defending one’s faith.
The use of swords in literature has also been quite prominent throughout history. In medieval literature, swords often served as symbols of heroism or bravery in battle against evil forces. Swords could be used not only to fight against enemies but also to protect loved ones from harm. In some cases, it could even be used as a metaphor for overcoming temptation or moral struggles in life.
Artists often depicted figures wielding swords to represent kings or heroes who fight against injustice and oppression by using their strength and courage to defeat evil forces.
