Dragon tattoo: 95 photos and the meanings of this legendary animal

The dragon tattoo carries powerful meanings and can be done using a variety of techniques, from thin line to very colorful old school style. This mythological animal has been known since the oldest legends and also appears in fantasy films and series.

See the meanings of the dragon tattoo in different cultures, as well as 95 photos for you to choose a design to tattoo!

dragon tattoo meaning

The dragon is a mythological creature known and worshiped since ancient peoples, and it has different meanings according to different cultures. For Christians, the animal is seen as something to be feared and that refers to rebellion and darkness. For Asian peoples, the dragon refers to power, prosperity and balance.

In China, the dragon is highly worshiped because it is, according to local mythology, one of the sacred animals summoned by Pan Ku (the creator god) in the creation of the world. In addition to being a hallmark of Chinese culture, the dragon represents wisdom, energy, strength and prosperity.

95 dragon tattoo pictures for you to choose your own

Now that you know the powerful meanings of this legendary animal, check out 95 dragon tattoos of the most diverse styles.

1. The dragon can be styled in many ways

2. May be small and with simple strokes

3. Or fancy the details

4. Tattoos can be done on any part of the body

5. The dragon tattoo on the leg is one of the best known

6. But you can do it in discreet places, like this underboob

7. The back offers great space for larger tattoos

8. And many women choose this place to tattoo

9. The strokes are neat

10. But if you want the tattoo in an apparent place, how about the arms?

11. The dragon tattoos on the forearm are original

12. Contouring this part of the body makes for a killer tattoo

13. You can complement the illustration with other adornments

14. Like flowers

15. There are fine features for those who want a delicate tattoo

16. And others in the black ink

17. Following the forearm extension yields stylish tattoos

18. And if you intend to close the arm, how about starting with a dragon?

19. After all, this animal’s tattoos are usually big

20. And super fancy

21. Dazzling, isn’t it?

22. You can draw inspiration from Asian legends to create the trait

23. Or complement with another animal, such as the tiger

24. In Western cultures, the dragon can represent rebellion

25. But the traits don’t fail to impress

26. And there are dragons of different styles for you to choose your tattoo

27. There are the ones with black ink, traditional

28. With red ink, sophisticated

29. With the watercolor technique

30. Old school style

31. With characteristics of Asian traits

32. Or more realistic

33. The shaded dragon tattoo impresses

34. And become powerful

35. The dotted tattoo is trendy

36. But it is possible to choose a traditional trait

37. To make it delicate, combine it with flowers

38. Or other charming elements

39. These decorations will make the tattoo look like you

40. In addition to appearing in mythology…

41. The dragon is also famous in pop culture

42. The Haku from Spirited Away is well known

43. And much in demand in tattoo parlors

44. And there are different character traits for you to be inspired by

45. What about Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon?

46. ​​Pure cuteness!

47. This one is discreet and full of movie references

48. For Lord of the Rings fans, how about this one from Smaug?

49. And of course, dragon tattoos from Game of Thrones could not be missing

50. If you’re a Targaryen supporter, take a look at this tattoo

51. Dracarys!

52. But it’s okay to choose to tattoo a traditional dragon from legends

53. Many people choose to tattoo two of them

54. And they can represent the Yin Yang

55. Dragon illustrations please those who prefer a large tattoo

56. And also who likes the smallest

57. The dragon tattoo on the rib, for example, is super discreet

58. In the clavicle, it is highlighted

59. A charm, isn’t it?

60. And the dragon tattoo on the shoulder is also a hit

61. Can be done on the back

62. Or in front too!

63. Feet provide good space for a smaller tattoo

64. On the thigh, tattoos are usually larger

65. The dragon represents wisdom and power

66. And the energy of fire

67. This super delicate one features an ice dragon!

68. Some tattoos cover a lot of skin

69. And others are little bigger than a coin

70. On the ankle it is super discreet

71. And the wrist can be inspiration for a first tattoo

72. And it’s you who decides the trait

73. Can be realistic and shaded

74. Marked with black ink

75. Or simpler, just with the outline of the dragon

76. You can draw a female figure to complement

77. Or tattoo the dragon in the details, like in this sophisticated tattoo

78. Red and black is a flawless combination

79. Looking for a delicate tattoo? Get inspired by this one!

80. Ouroboros are full of meaning

81. But the dragon alone represents a lot

82. Wisdom, strength, prosperity…

83. And it’s okay to tattoo two dragons

84. Or three

85. The flowers make the design even more neat

86. Besides being very stylish!

87. The snake is another animal that appears in legends along with the dragon

88. And the tattoo can be made in different sizes

89. And on the part of the body you prefer

90. It may be from the Chinese tradition

91. Or from a Japanese animation

92. Shaded with black ink

93. Or traced with red

94. You can choose to tattoo the heads of three dragons

95. Or just one, with wings spread!

Dragon tattoos carry powerful meanings and as you’ve seen in the inspirations, they can be done in different sizes and styles. It is important to get the tattoo done with professionals to avoid distortions in the design. And you, were you able to decide which one of these will be your next tattoo?