40 Amazing Medusa Tattoo Designs – Meanings and Ideas for Every Man
Medusa tattoo is one of the best accessories that a man can have. Surely it can’t be changed every day like your baseball caps or collection of belts and it won’t glitter like a ring or a necklace. But aside from radiating strength and masculinity, it’ll also represent who you are and what you stand for. Yes, the picture of a lethal woman having venomous snakes growing out of her head would definitely represent your gracious power.
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The Background of this Tattoo
Although the tattoo originates from the ancient Greek culture and traditions, it has a lot to do with modern traditions, as it represents evil, personality, freedom, transformation and life cycle. Medusa is a female character in Greek mythology. Her myth is tragic; she was originally a charming golden-haired priestess of Athena who vowed to live a celibate life. However as fate would have it, she met a very handsome man by the name Poseidon who convinced her to marry him. For this grave mistake, she was punished by the goddess in a most horrifying style. Every curly lock of the golden hair was transformed into a lethal snake, her sexy eyes changed into blood-shot, ferocious spheres which could turn any onlooker into a stone; whilst her roseate complexion assumed a disgusting greenish hue.
She is a powerful symbol that has also been an inspiration for many books, movies, and even video games. She is also featured in the coat of arms of the Dohalice village in the Czech Republic and as an emblem of the flag of Sicily. Innumerable artifacts from ancient Greece characterize Medusa as a protection symbol. It was ritually used on weapons, shields, doorways and entrances as a way of scaring away evil spirits. In a more modern context, the image of Medusa can be used as a warning to distance away enemies. The snakes growing out of her head are usually shown as coiled and prepared to unleash their venom, emphasizing her power.
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Common Designs/Colors and Where to Ink Them
Medusa is perfect for anyone looking to ink their body out of the norm, and there are several ways to portray her. Originally, Medusa had a beautiful face, so you can choose to give her the face of an angel. However in the legend, Medusa has a frightening face, so you can also choose to give get the face of a monster. So if you’re not comfortable with a hideous face on your back or anywhere else, you have the option to go with another look. The Medusa tattoo can be realistic-looking or cartoonish, drawn in color or in black ink.
There is quite a bit of variation in her eyes. In some instances, it looks as if the rage in her eyes will come out and set everything on fire and in other instances it’s as if your heart melts down for her suffering and broken heart. Dark colors are usually associated with this tattoo because Medusa is a dark and foreboding character. It’s upon you to choose a color that best suits your skin. The back, leg, and forearm are the best places for this tattoo, but it depends on your target viewers. If you want everyone to see it then chose a spot that’s exposed.
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Do Medusa Tattoos Symbolize Anything?
The major part of Medusa tattoo usually involves coloring of her face and that of the snakes. What do various tattoos symbolize?
Blank Eyes and Simple Colors: The black and white eyes look empty and extremely threatening. The image is designed to look as a black and white photograph. It also doesn’t have a lot of color but it really doesn’t need to. Her face consists of many black spots probably meant to portray her plight of misery and her readiness to settle a score. The tattoo symbolizes power and hidden anger that can come out anytime.
Scared Medusa: At first glance, Medusa appears to be dangerous and evil. However, if you inspect it closely you’ll notice how she looks scared and out of control. It seems like the snakes are in total control of her life and she can’t do anything about it. They appear so lifelike and ready to sink their fangs into anything that gets close to them. The coloring is superb and the detail is comprehensive. This image symbolizes the many different circumstances you’re dealing with in your own life.
Meditation Mode: This interesting image, normally worn on the chest, portrays Medusa in her relaxed state. It’s really big and can take a lot of time to complete. Her eyes are closed (as if meditating something) and several colorful snakes are protruding out of her head, some looking furious and others quite calm. If you’re that kind of a person that’s normally non-violent but dangerous when provoked, then this Medusa tattoo is the right one to symbolize your trait.
Terrifying Zombie: This art has a zombie quality to it. It is a picture of hairless zombie with giant snakes (less than four) coiled over her head and around her neck. Her eyes are blank and her mouth wide open to show the zombie-like teeth and fangs in it. Black shading techniques are used to capture evil of this Medusa piece. Generally, the image evokes countless emotions when people see it.
Beheaded Medusa: This tattoo is used to capture the scene where Medusa was beheaded quite vividly. The blood looks real and the eyes of those snakes are very frightening. She appears defeated and it kind of looks like a snake tongue is coming out of her mouth. The curse had made her miserable. However, the snakes appear to be alive and full of energy. This is a great way of symbolizing persistence.
The Medusa tattoo is meant to shock and awe. The angry snakes and the miserable expression of Medusa create an excellent representation of peoples’ inner battles, although the meaning can vary amongst different individuals. If you’ve decided that Medusa should be inked somewhere on your body then ensure that tattoos are allowed in your workplace, family, etc. Secondly, decide where you’d like to place your tattoo. As your tattoo artist or friends for their opinion and then make a decision that suits you. Last but not least, decide on the design, coloring and your budget.
