Mythical Creature Tattoo Designs

Images from Myths and legends have always been popular for strong tattoo designs. Those styles that are used the most are of the mythical creatures as they are easily recognised and usually have a really good story behind them.

Mermaid Tattoo Designs

Mermaids were used in hundreds if not thousands of old nautical tattoo designs. Mermaids are from the Greek myth of Jason, they used to sing to the sailors who passed their rocks trying to make them jump into the sea and ultimately to their death. Jason had to his crew's ears with wax as well as his own, so he didn't hear their deadly song. Sailors used to have them as designs to symbolise their love for their significant women in their lives or family members.

Today, men and women favour this tattoo design. Men often use it as the ancient sailors did, and maybe put a pin up style girl into the design to make it a bit more quirky. Whereas, women will use sometimes use it to signify themselves to remind them of the inner strength they posses or even perhaps as a warning to future partners that they must beware of this dangerous but beautiful woman!

Nevertheless, since the story of 'The Little Mermaid', their symbolism has softened to one of beauty, strength and is chosen by those who love the sea and hate to leave it.

Dragon Tattoo Designs

Dragons have had many different meanings, in the western world they are seen as fearsome creatures and so in tattoo designs, dragons are scary and intimidating. Dragons were seen as a menace and knights in Medieval England would try and slay them as they would terrorise villages. The patron saint of England is St George whose claim to fame was slaying a dragon and rescuing a princess.

Dragons are also associated with snake which are signs of evil.  This means that dragons would often be depicted with angels and devils. (for more ideas of dragon tattoo designs see Chinese Animal Tattoos and Japanese Tattoos)

Phoenix Tattoo Designs

The Phoenix is an image that has been around for many years and a very popular tattoo design as a symbol of immortality.  The Phoenix is a fire bird who has no end, they die when they are ready and are born out of the ashes in a never ending cycle.  Their story means that they are used for many people's body art work, to be a testimony to a great hardship they have been through and arisen from the ashes.

Pegasus Tattoo Designs

The Pegasus are featured in many of the Greek Myths, most famously in the story of Perseus where he used one to defeated the Kraken. The Pegasus are beautiful winged horses and represent grace and power, which makes them popular features in tattoo designs.

Centaur Tattoo Designs

These majestic creatures have the torso of a human and the bodies of a horse. They are used in many fantastical stories not just in ancient myths, they are usually seen as an ancient people who spend their lives studying the stars and are incredibly wise. Many people have now heard of them because of the use of them in the Harry Potter books and films, but their origins are in Greek and Roman theology.