When you imagine tattoos of ancient Scandinavia, images of Vikings with painted bodies and runes immediately come to mind. But have you ever thought that this tradition has roots much deeper – in the Bronze and early Iron Ages, centuries before the first sea voyages? In this article, we will explore what science and archaeology actually say about tattoos in pre-Viking Scandinavia, what symbols ancient Scandinavians might have worn, and how to respectfully bring this aesthetic to your own body today.