What Is A Medusa Tattoo?
Medusa is a controversial character from the Greek mythology, but one that moves many. A medusa tattoo can be a protection from the evil, or a symbol of the victims. Some theories like to interpret Medusa as a symbol of female powerlessness, and the wrong doing done against her with the excuse of evil and strength.
- However, others see her as a protective symbol and ability to destroy one’s enemies given her ability to petrify and thus destroy those who dare to go against her;
- A medusa tattoo design usually consists of her head of snakes, and her stare;
Sometimes a beauty, sometimes a monster, she is a powerful yet a tragic figure. Medusa terrifies and awes at the same time. Is a Medusa tattoo a symbol of victims and injustice? Or a powerful symbol of protection against enemies? Let’s dive into the myth, interpretations and the amazing Medusa tattoo ideas we have for you.
Contents
Is the Medusa Tattoo offensive?
Is the Medusa tattoo offensive? – The Medusa tattoo is not regarded as offensive as it has now been adopted as an emblem of power for sexual assault survivors. Medusa is recognized as a victim rather than a villain, which gives the inkings of her a poignant meaning.
- It has become a symbol for combatting the culture of victim-blaming, as Medusa was a woman made into a monster for her own rape;
- One TikTok user explained: “That’s why a lot of people have this tattoo, because if they were, they are victims, it is like empowering yourself, taking back your power type of thing;
” Medusa is also considered as a mythological figure who has the ability to deter evil forces. Tattoo artist helps people hide stretch marks and burns with unique no ink method – and goes viral on TikTok.
What does a single needle Medusa Tattoo mean?
Medusa Tattoo Styles – Can’t decide on a tattoo design? Get ready to start some interesting conversations with your Medusa tattoo. Check out our gallery- but don’t look directly in her eyes!
- Black & Grey Medusa Tattoos
These variations on the classic Medusa tattoo conjure up images of seriousness, darkness, and power. The incredible shading and detailing you can obtain through black and grey tattoo inking often mean that you can enjoy some beautiful extra touches on your Medusa tattoo, and the symbolism of the black and grey ink conveys power to the viewer.
- Realistic Medusa Tattoos
Something many people have trouble remembering is that Medusa was once a young woman, according to legend: a real, living, breathing person just like us. Realistic Medusa Tattoos are a reminder of the humanity that can be found even in things we are led to mistrust and to help us remember that great beauty can also be incredibly monstrous.
- Black-work Medusa Tattoos
Blackwork tattoos are themselves very ritualistic and spiritual, originally used by certain tribes or communities to denote culturally significant stories, symbols, and legends. A blackwork Medusa tattoo often signifies that the wearer finds great ritual significance and meaning in the legend of Medusa, making it even more important to honor and retell the story of the snake-haired woman.
- Graphic Medusa Tattoos
Graphic tattoos are often favored by the artistically inclined or those who prefer legend, art, and illustration to realism. A graphic medusa tattoo can be drawn from the myths, art, and depictions of Medusa that remain from Ancient Greek, making this tattoo style a great one to memorialize the Grecian legend.
- Illustrative Medusa Tattoos
For illustration lovers, the story of Medusa may feel almost out of a comic book. Illustrative tattoos are a great way to put a contemporary spin on the classic lore and literature we know and love, especially Greek folklore. Illustrative Medusa tattoos might represent a desire for the protection of things we love from childhood still, such as cartoons or drawings.
- Neo-traditional Medusa Tattoos
Originating from the Art Nouveau era in the 1910s, Neo-traditional tattooing is an evolution of tattooing style that improves on traditional artwork and coloring styles. Bold lines and colorful tattoo portraits merge with flower tattoo designs and lace details, something we can see clearly in these Neo-traditional Medusa tattoo designs. With Japanese-inspired influences and Art Noveau coloring, these tattoos are a beautiful blend of tattooing and cultural work.
- Sketchy Medusa Tattoos
These graphic tattoos look as though they’ve just been ripped from pages of a sketchbook. Sketchy tattoo style could represent an artist’s perspective on the protector Medusa, or simply the ethereal and created nature of her legend, which is crafted like an art form with every new retelling.
- New School Medusa Tattoos
Originating in the 1970s, New School tattooing is a popular style of tattoo art that innovates on old-school tattooing by adding heavy outlines, vivid colors, and overblown or exaggerated caricatures of the subject. These New School Medusa tattoos look almost as though they could be in a cartoon, featuring bright imagery and fantastical designs.
- Fine Line Medusa Tattoos
This delicate Medusa tattoo is done with great care and attention to detail, as many other fine line tattoos are. This very feminine style of tattooing could represent a desire to honor Medusa as a protector and ward against uncertainty, just as the legend says Athena depicted Medusa as.
- Dot-work Medusa Tattoos
Dot-work tattoos have traditionally been used exclusively for culturally significant artwork. Medusa is both a symbolic and cultural figure for many, as she was cursed by Greek deities and later became a protectress and warden for them as a former worshipper of Athena. Dot-work Medusa tattoos might symbolize the connection to the religious part of Athena’s story.
- American Traditional Medusa Tattoos
Blending the Medusa with the history of traditional tattoos, some people portray her as a circus act in an old-school tattoo design. American traditional tattoos date back to the early 1930s and were originally a symbol of men’s fantastical travels across the sea and elsewhere. As more people began to get them, they became a symbol of expression against artistic norms and were recognized for their heavy black outlines, minimal coloring, and deeper shades. American traditional Medusa tattoos symbolize a woman who stands up against a demigod, and though she was brought to book for it, she soon became a powerful colossus who took her revenge as she needed.
- Single Needle Medusa Tattoos
Single needle tattooing is a fine and delicate process reserved for artistic or classical tattoo designs. A single needle Medusa tattoo likely represents the classical elegance and respect people hold towards Medusa and her legend as well as art that’s made about her.
Why is everyone sharing their Medusa Tattoo on TikTok?
What does the Medusa tattoo mean? – The Medusa tattoo has been a hot topic on TikTok in in late 2021. It comes after @r. bree. xo showed off her inking alongside the words: “A lot of people didn’t realize the meaning of a Medusa tattoo. “If you do, I am so sorry you went through this too.
You are so strong. ” Those left in the dark of the deeper definition behind the Greek mythological creature were somewhat confused when legions of other users began to share their Medusa tatts with similar messages.
So what does it mean? According to Greek mythology, Medusa was once a beautiful young woman with men lusting after her. Her beauty caught the attention of sea god Poseidon, who raped her in the sacred temple of Athena. Furious at the violation of her temple, Athena turned Medusa into a snake-headed monster with the ability to turn anyone who looks at her to stone.
What does Medusa mean in Greek?
Aside from this, Medusa’s name is believed to be derived from the feminine present participle of the Greek word ‘medein. ‘ The word means ‘protect, rule over’ with Medusa meaning ‘guardian’ or ‘protectress. ‘ Some will get tattoos of Medusa’s severed head, or Perseus holding it, as a representation of perseverance.
