As with many animals of folklore, the wolf is a complex character, attributed with diverse yet always powerful characteristics by cultures across the globe, particularly the Native American tribes across all of North America.
Wolves thrive in harsh conditions. They are skillful and intelligent creatures who hunt and live in a pack, a tight-knit family group that works together to survive in their ferocious environments.
The Wolf: A Symbol Across World Cultures
The Native American tribes viewed the wolf as an animal sent by the “Great Spirit” to guide man from a distance, a possessor of divine wisdom.
The wolf is also a warrior symbol. Genghis Khan, the Mongolian war chieftain who dominated most of the known world at one point in history used the wolf both as symbol and a teacher of battle strategy — the mongolian tribes fought on horseback in ferocious packs. As a result, Mongol myths say the wolf is a direct descendant of Genghis Khan.
In Japan, the wolf is seen a symbol of protection, called upon to protect humans from harm.
In Siberian folklore, the wolf protects the innocence of children, invoked to keep the mother and child safe during childbirth.
In some European cultures, the wolf was a protector of secrets. People could lay their burdens down by confessing their secrets to a wolf, who would keep that knowledge safe for eternity.
The Meanings Behind the Wolf Tattoo
The following is a list of ideals that are often attributed to wolves, based on cultural symbolism:
- Survival
- Courage and fearlessness
- Strength and power
- Ferocity
- Intelligence and wisdom
- Shrewdness
- Devotion and loyalty to the pack (symbolizing an unbreakable family bond)
- Honor
While the wolf has been associated culturally with both good and evil, both family and independence, your tattoo’s symbolism and meaning is entirely yours to decide.
Wolf Tattoo Designs
The most popular wolf tattoo design is the alpha wolf howling in front of a full moon.
However, there’s no need to limit yourself to that idea. There are other ways to incorporate the wolf, such as:
- The blue-eyed wolf
- The snarling wolf
- The paw prints of a wolf
One reason the wolf is such a popular theme for tattoos is that they can be pictured alongside a number of other elements, such as trees, the moon, mountains, snow, or even other animals who share the wolf’s environment.
Also, due to the wolf’s symbolic use in Native American spirituality, eagle feathers, dream catchers, or other Native American symbols are often worked into the design.
Any of these elements can be combined to create a more intricate overall tattoo design, as well as to communicate a more complex overall meaning.
Like other tattoos of animals with a long body shape, including the lion, the tiger, and the dragon, the wolf tattoo can be customized — designed and positioned to flow with your muscle, scar tissue, and skin tones, which increases the likelihood of getting a great looking tattoo.
Custom design is always a great idea — learn more here.
Wolf Tattoos: Consider a Custom Design
So much can be done with a wolf tattoo.
Consider coming in for an appointment to discuss the design elements and style you want with the artist.
Don’t pass on the opportunity to really make your tattoo unique to you.
Click here to fill out the contact form, and let’s get a conversation about your wolf tattoo started.