ZEUS is a multi-platform zine created for the Greek community in London. We bring together the essence of Greece, and the latest stories in a home away from home. Here at ZEUS, we are a movement to champion Greeks at home and abroad. Quite simply, ZEUS is for the Greeks.
Behind Greek Mythology Tattoos
How the fascinating, and often dark, stories of Greek Mythology are influencing the tattoo industry by Hannah Samantha Mathieson
Medusa. Image courtesy of @jota_k_tintanegra on Instagram.com.
Greek mythology has influenced the world’s civilisation as we know. There is neither a school nor book which doesn’t teach of The Trojan War and the great warrior Achilles, the hero Hercules, to the Gods and Goddesses which rule the sea, sky and beyond. Lest we never forget Medusa, the beauty who turns people to stone? The nine Muses, the love between God of the Underworld, Hades and the Goddess of Spring, Persephone; or Pandora releasing evil spirits out a box into the world; explaining the dark side of humanity.
Love, war, beauty, and sorrow intertwine the stories and legends together. Which is possibly why we have followed, read and taught of Greek mythology for as long as history can remember, showing Greek mythology will never be forgotten. Tattoos are a way beyond to remember those stories. From full sleeves, half sleeves to a single tattoo; from portraiture style to black and grey realism, Greek-mythology inspired tattoos are everywhere. Stacey Bailham, a tattoo artist from Lady Pirates, tells me she’s currently working on a full leg sleeve of the starlets from the 1940s and 1950s, all portrayed as Greek Goddesses. Having a Goddess tattooed into your skin is empowering. Gaia is the primordial deity, the ancestral mother of life, alternatively known as Terra - Mother Nature herself. To embellish your skin with the art is a means to show your belief in those stories, the characters and the legends. Also, they look awesome.
Some believe tattoos are influenced by fashion and trends, others believe tattoos are an influence on belief and solidarity. At the end of the day, a tattoo is on someone's body because they want it there. Your bodywork doesn’t have to be meaningful at all! Greek mythology is relatable, and is filled with stories of people gifted with incredible power beyond the imagination, who look out for humans (most of the time), and have more drama in their lives than an episode of The Vampire Diaries or Riverdale. Just look at Kronos, a Titan who ate all his children because it was prophesied by the fates they would overthrow him, leading Zeus being hidden away from Kronos by his mother for him to then kill his father, freeing his brothers and sisters, then ruling the sky and all of Olympus. Drama central. The Iliad and The Odyssey is full of future binge-worthy television shows waiting to be created.
Every tattoo of Greek mythology represents a tale. A tale where good has overcome evil or justice has been served. There is a deeper meaning behind every story and simply reading the lore inspires people. They give hope and imagination that Gods and Goddesses do exist; that heroes are real and you could be a part of the tale. Tattooist Jota K Tintanegra from Straight Lines in Essex, believes there are different reasons why people choose this theme for their tattoos, but mainly? They give strength to the viewer. We count on Greek mythology. As we have said, they are powerful characters with specific characteristics and skills, with different roles which people are enchanted by. As Jota says, Zeus is the king of the Olympian gods, who shows supremacy and power above all others. Ares is the God of War, a powerful character that can be related to a person with his inner struggle and the desire of overcoming himself. Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love, a woman pure and innately beautiful, driving people with love, lust and desire.
Medusa. Image courtesy of @kodeart on Instagram.com.
At the end of the day, these are tattoos of legends. Greek mythology is full of literal deities and these tattoos symbolise power, heartbreak, loss, love and many more everyday mundane emotions that which humans go through, so why wouldn’t you want those incredible stories and pieces of art on your body? Tattooers are artists. The quality plus sheer talent of their portrayal of Greek Gods, Goddesses and the lore behind creates insanely stunning tattoos. Artistically, they are images that look good, are impressive, and simply beautiful. Therefore whether you are someone who likes Greek mythology or not, a tattoo inspired by Greek mythology undoubtedly grabs your attention and the story will be forever remembered and shared with future generations - the tales live on.
By Hannah Mathieson
Instagram: @hannahsamantha_
@hannahsamanthaofficial
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