In the world of mythical creatures, is there really one that stands out at the top more than the Dragon?
The Dragon is probably the most iconic and well-known beast throughout the world that never actually existed.
So, if you’re in the market for a dragon tattoo, you’re in the right place.
It is the year of the Dragon as I write this, after all, and what better time could there be to finally have a tattoo artist sink the teeth of his tattoo gun into your arm and leave you permanently scared in the shape of the most legendary of Beasts?
What Is So Special About The Dragon
Dragons are a symbol that goes as far back as 4500 BCE when the earliest known depiction of one was found in Inner Mongolia in the form of Jade sculptures made by the Hongshan culture.
Although the Dragon’s symbolism has changed over the centuries, it is most associated with images of knowledge, luck, wisdom, and power. Dragons are often depicted as life-bringers, carrying rain to farmers in Asian culture.
However, in European mythology, Dragons are more ferocious and deadly. Fire-breathing, treasure hoarding, and even holding Princesses captive, these beasts are symbolic of obstacles of a seemingly insurmountable challenge that must be overcome for you to be rewarded through a noble or courageous quest.
The rich symbolism associated with the Dragon spanning centuries makes it such a popular design for those who want to ink themselves with something that has a deep meaning.
Related post: What Does A Dragon Tattoo Mean
Best Dragon Tattoo Design Ideas
So now that you know a little bit about the history of Dragons, perhaps you’re considering getting a Dragon tattoo of your own, but what exactly should you go for?
With so many options available, we’ve got a collection of some of our favorite Dragon Mythological Tattoo ideas. Let’s hope we can bestow some wisdom upon you with these great designs.
Chinese Dragon Tattoo Designs
Where better to start than with a version of the earliest known depiction of a Dragon. The Chinese Dragon is a long and sleek creature, and while it can look intimidating, it also has so much elegance in its design.
This Chinese Dragon Tattoo design is no exception; it’s beautifully positioned on the left side of the back, and the artistry is phenomenal with highly detailed scales and back spikes as well as the 3-dimensional coiling effect making this Dragon look like it’s in motion.
The florals on the sides also give off a feminine grace to this Dragon Flower Tattoo.
European Dragon Tattoo
Popularised in TV and film, the European-style Dragon is a truly ferocious beast not to be messed with. The oldest European depictions of Dragons vary greatly, but this is the design that is most beloved in the modern era.
From Shrek to Game of Thrones, this is the style mostly associated when people think Dragons. Unlike its Asian counterpart, the European-style Dragon hoasts massive bat-like wings with jagged scales and is usually a malevolent rather than benevolent being.
However, despite its less-than-friendly association, the European-style Dragon makes for an impressive tattoo design. The torn wings and veiny wings on this design make this Dragon an impressive sight, as if it’s been alive for centuries and seen countless battles.
Celtic Dragon Tattoo
If you have a love for Celtic design or even have a Celtic heritage within you,
then this is the perfect choice for you. Celtic Dragons are believed to exist in a parallel realm to our own, and wherever the Dragon flew, that land would become more powerful than that surrounding it. Unlike its European Kin, the Celtic Dragon is a benevolent creature like its Asian counterpart and was a protector of the Earth and all living things.
This Celtic Dragon Tattoo design boasts the typical Celtic art form of intricated knots and loops, which can’t be found in any other design.
Beautiful Dragon and Phoenix Tattoo
This Dragon and Phoenix Tattoo captures the harmonious balance of yin and yang, symbolizing power, strength, and eternal unity.
The fine black lines of the mythical creatures intertwine with red accents, enhancing the design’s elegance and cultural depth. Perfect for those celebrating balance, love, and duality in their life journey.
Watercolor Dragon Tattoo
Asian Dragons have been depicted in various colours, and because they are also known for bringing rain, what could be more appropriate than a watercolour design?
This design is mesmerizing and perfect for those keen on astrology. It takes the Draco constellation and surrounds it with vibrant watercolours in the form of space particles and stars.
Of course, your watercolour design doesn’t have to integrate astrology or a Chinese-style Dragon. Art is subjective, so the choice is entirely up to you.
Golden Dragon Tattoo
This Yellow Dragon Tattoo showcases a striking, mythical design with bold outlines and intricate details.
The golden tones evoke power, wisdom, and prosperity, drawing inspiration from Eastern traditions where yellow dragons symbolize strength and luck.
This tattoo is perfect for those seeking a vibrant, dynamic piece with deep cultural significance.
Tribal Dragon Tattoo
If tribal tattoos are more your thing, then check this design out. Tribal tattoos are mostly associated with tribal membership, social status, or family lineage.
This Tribal Dragon Tattoo is of a South East Asian Dragon, from countries such as Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
Minimalist Dragon Tattoo
For those who love the Dragon imagery but don’t want to go all out, try a Minimalist dragon tattoo.
Minimalist tattoos are always great for those who prefer to keep things discrete and on the down low, and this design is no different.
Simple yet elegant, you can bring your little dragon with you wherever you go, safely tucked away.
Skeleton Dragon Tattoo
Dragon Tattoos themselves are cool, but you know whats even more cool than Dragon Tattoos? Skeleton Dragon Tattoos!
Dragons are sometimes fearsome beasts that need to be vanquished at any cost and killing them doesn’t come easy.
So, after a long and grueling battle, what could be worse than seeing that very same Dragon come back to life as nothing more than tattered wings and bone?
This Skeleton Dragon Tattoo is insane, its deep blacks give it a real horror vibe, and the detail, particularly on the tattered wings, looks sensational. Let’s hope this thing still can’t breathe fire!
Disney Dragon Tattoo
Are you a big fan of both Dragons and Disney? Perhaps Disney is what got you interested in Dragons in the first place.
After all, Disney has produced many dragon designs in its long history, from Elliot of Pete’s Dragon to Maleficent’s transformation into a fire-breathing black beast in her battle against Prince Philip or Sisu from Raya and the Last Dragon.
But keeping in the Chinese New Year motif, I’ve chosen the beloved guardian spirit Mushu the Red Dragon from Mulan. Despite his diminutive stature, Mushu has a tone of sass and humour to make up for what he lacks in size.
This tattoo shows off Mushus’s sassy side perfectly as he butts heads with his side-kick Cri-Kee. But if Disney isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other Red Dragon Tattoos to choose from.
Toothless Tattoo Ideas
Not a fan of Disney’s Dragons?, then what about Dreamworks? Dreamworks How To Train Your Dragon was a smash hit when it first came out, grossing nearly 500 million dollars at the box office, and was nominated for best-animated feature in the same year.
Hiccup’s best friend, Toothless the Jet Black Dragon, looks stunning in this bracelet tattoo design. The deep colours in this Black Dragon Tattoo are amazing, and I love the detailing on the clouds that he is soaring through.
Red Dragon and Rose Tattoo
This Dragon and Rose Tattoo intertwines the fierce, fiery essence of the red dragon with the delicate beauty of vibrant purple roses.
Representing a balance between strength and love, the detailed scales and soft petals create a striking visual contrast, perfect for someone embracing passion, resilience, and elegance in one powerful design.
Legend of Zelda Dragon Tattoo
Following the massive success of the Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, perhaps you’ve thought about blending your love of the franchise with your love of ink.
There’s a surprising amount of Legend of Zelda Tattoos to be found on the internet, and this Light Dragon and Master sword tattoo combo is the latest in super cool designs to be found.
It will be a constant reminder of the time you pulled the Master sword from the Dragon’s head, and if Link said anything for once, I’m sure he’d approve of this design.
Gyarados Pokemon Tattoo
Fans of the Pokemon series will love this. While Gyarados isn’t a Dragon-type Pokemon and looks more like a Hydra, he is based on the story of the Koi that battled against the currents and was rewarded by the Gods by being turned into a Mythical Dragon.
The waves in the tattoo pay homage to ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’ by Katsushika Hokusai. If the story of the Koi that turned into a Dragon inspires you, why not check out Koi Fish Tattoo or Koi Dragon Fish Tattoo designs?
Game of Thrones Dragon Tattoo
Nothing has brought Dragons to the forefront of attention in recent years, such as Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
And it’s no surprise as Dragons play a pivotal role in both series, with the main cast of the Targaryen families having a deep connection with the mythical beasts. With 3 Dragons in the main series and 16 Dragons shown or mentioned in the House of the Dragon, there is no shortage of Dragons available to choose from.
While you could opt for any of the 19 Dragons mentioned or go for the sigil of the Targaryen family, why not honour both the show and the real-life actress who brought Daenerys to life by getting the same tattoo Emilia Clarke did to commemorate her time as the Queen of the Dragons.
Dark Souls Dragon Tattoo
If you’re a video game aficionado, then you probably dive in with glee to the Souls games for another round of absolute endless torture just to chase that oh-so-sweet taste of victory after dying who knows how many times to that one infuriating boss and starting from hopefully the nearest bone fire.
The Dark Souls series of games has absolutely no shortage of grotesque monstrosities that are or once were Dragons. So, commemorate the hours of frustration spent and relive the glory of your perseverance by adorning yourself in the image of your vanquished foe forever and letting them know who’s boss.
Lurking in the depths is the Gaping Dragon, a monstrous malformation whose existence is nothing more than that of gluttony and depravity. Once a descendant of the Arch Dragons, it fell into corruption to become the beast it is today.
Even feared by the outcasts of the depths, it was finally vanquished by the Chosen Undead. Hiroshi Nakamura designed this Dragon to represent greed and insatiable hunger.
Spyro the Dragon Tattoo
Switching gears from the oppressive darkness that is the Dark Souls series to the uplifting joy that is the Spyro franchise.
If you’re like me and born around the late eighties to the nineties, you probably grew up playing either the eccentric Crash Bandicoot or his feisty contemporary Spyro the Dragon.
For those young yet old enough to be playing video games around then, there probably was no Dragon more in the public zeitgeist at the time. Spyro was so popular in fact, that there have been stories about grandparents taking their grandchildren’s controllers just so they could control the purple boi.
Spyro is an integral part of video game history, and if you have a love of the purple dragon that’s deeper than the fall from the Tree Tops level, then get yourself a Spyro the Dragon Tattoo so that adventure can continue.
Crystal Dragon Tattoo
Ok, ok, I get it, keep your horns on. It’s unprofessional of me to include two tattoos from the same series, but Spyro is my personal childhood and one of my all-time favourite characters, so I just couldn’t resist.
This Crystal Dragon Tattoo from the first Spyro game is absolutely gorgeous. The detail is phenomenal, and the shimmering effects make my rings believe I can hear the iconic rattling of the Elder Dragons trying to break free.
And yes, before you say it, I did hear rumblings from a Certain Canadian Guy that a potential Spyro 4 is in the works, so rather than just hoping for the best, “You gotta believe.”
Dragonball Shenron Dragon Tattoo
With the sad and untimely passing of one of the greatest Mangakas in Akira Toriyama, now couldn’t be a grander time to honour the legacy of such an inspiration than by immortalizing his legacy with one of his most iconic creations.
Shenron was the culmination of all the hard work it took Goku and the gang to acquire each of the 7 Dragonballs, and the image of Shenron stands as a testament to Akira Toriyama’s timeless work.
We hope Akira Toriyama continues to inspire for generations to come and that he may rest in peace.
Kaido Dragon Tattoo
One of the four former Yonko, Kaido, is the captain of the best pirates.
Once a member of the Rocks Pirates, Kaido became the world’s ‘strongest creature,’ ruling over a part of the New World.
Kaido set himself up in Wano country, ruling with an iron fist until his eventual defeat at the hands of a gear 5 empowered Monkey D. Luffy.
Fire V Ice Dragon Tattoo
Dragons are usually known for their ability to shoot fire, but modern media has given Dragons a whole new slew of powers, including ice breath.
If you want to depict your body with the image of two Dragons doing battle, then try out this amazing ice v fire Dragon Tattoo.
Ryunosuke One Piece Dragon Tattoo
Another One Piece Tattoo idea, this time we have Ryunosuke. Ryunosuke was a Dragon created by Kurozumi Kanjuro using the power of the Fude Fude no Mi.
Due to its poor structure, Ruyunosuke struggled to climb the leg of Zunesha to reach Zou, but his persistence paid off with encouragement from the Straw Hat crew, and he persevered by reaching the top.
Hero V Dragon Tattoo
When it comes to European Dragons, one of the most iconic images is a valiant hero facing off against the mighty beast.
This absolutely gorgeous Dragon Tattoo shows a brave hero on his horse, sword in the air atop a mountain, facing down against a gigantic Dragon.
This Tattoo is inspired by the illustrations of Eyvind Earle.
Haku Dragon Tattoo
This Studi Ghibli Tattoo is of Haku, the deuteragonist of the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.
Haku’s real name is based on several gods, including Nigihayahi no Mikoto (饒速日命), a god of sun and agriculture in Japanese mythology, and Haya-Akitsu Hiko (速秋津彦), a Dragon god of river.
Dragon Sword Tattoo
If you want to add a bit of an edge to your Dragon Tattoo, then try out a Dragon Sword Tattoo.
Dragon Sword Tattoos can symbolize how that sword carries the strength of a Dragon in it, or how you carry the fighting spirit of a Dragon with you wherever you go.
Blue Eyes White Dragon Tattoo
Blue Eyes White Dragon is one of the most powerful monsters in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Universe.
While its card is extremely powerful, it isn’t nearly as powerful as its true monster spirit, which can rival that of Obelisk the Tormentor and Slifer the Sky Dragon.
Dragon Frame Tattoo
If you want your Dragon Tattoo to look like a beautiful picture on your body, why not try out this beautiful Dragon Frame Tattoo?
This lovely design features a traditional oriental painting of a landscape with a brushstroke Dragon coiled around it.
Water Dragon Tattoo
If you want your Dargon to have a more aquatic feel to it, try out this lovely Water Dragon Tattoo Design.
This design features a lovely Blue Dragon surrounded by crashing waves.
Dragon Norigae Tattoo
A Norigae is a traditional Korean accessory that functions as a decorative pendant and a good luck charm.
It is usually passed down to descendants from parents or in-laws.
This Dragon Norigae Tattoo features the Dragon flying behind a Red Norigae with two Koi Fish in its design.
Love Heart Dragon Tattoo
If you really want to show your love for Dragons, why not get a Love Heart Dragon Tattoo, such as this design?
This lovely Pink Dragon Tattoo features a beautiful Dragon covered entirely in love hearts all over its scales and even has its whiskers curled into the shape of hearts too.
Yin Yang Dragon Tattoo
Yin-Yang is a Chinese philosophical concept in which opposing yet complementary forces interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts.
This Yin-Yang Dragon features a modified version of a Charles Gibbons letter from 1913.
Earth Dragon Tattoo
If you want your Dragon to look more like a deity who protects the Earth and all its nature, then try out this super cool Earth Dragon Tattoo.
This gorgeous Dragon Tattoo has an amazing nature-inspired design, with horns like a deer’s antlers, roots spawning from the Dragon’s chest, and some lovely cherry blossoms in the background, all placed delicately within a beautiful frame.
Dragon Tiger Tattoo
A Dragon Tiger Tattoo is an image used to symbolize the Chinese philosophical concept of Yin-Yang mentioned earlier.
In Chinese culture, the Tiger represents Yin, the female aspect, darkness and cold, while the Dragon represents Yang, the male aspect, light and warmth.
Dragon Ball X One Piece Tattoo
If you love Anime Tattoos then try out this super cool anime crossover tattoo of Shenron from the Dragon Ball franchise and Kaido from the One Piece franchise.
This Tattoo Design also includes lightning from conquerers Haki and cloud effects.
Harry Potter Dragon Tattoo
If you are a lover of the Harry Potter franchise, then check out this super cool Harry Potter Dragon Tattoo.
In the Harry Potter world, a witch or wizard who works in the illegal Dragon trading business is referred to as a Dragon dealer.
Dragon mothers breathe fire on their eggs to keep them warm, so when a human cares for a dragon egg, they need to maintain the right temperature in place of its mother’s breath.
Bone Dragon Tattoo
Like the skeleton Dragon from earlier, however, this time, we have a Bone Dragon Tattoo of an Eastern Dragon.
This cool design is done by the incredibly talented taena.tattoo who has a range of other amazing Dragon and Snake Skeleton Tattoos, as well as other designs you should check out.
Dragon And Butterfly Tattoo
What better to compliment your Dragon Tattoo than with a Butterfly Tattoo?
Butterfly Tattoos symbolize themes of transformation, freedom, femininity, hope, freedom, and beauty.
They also symbolize lifess fleeting beauty and how change is possible.
Where To Get Your Dragon Tattoo
Dragons can come in all different shapes and sizes, so based on the tattoo designs, strategic placement can really draw out more of the Dragon’s characteristics and make them pop.
For instance, while you could get a winged dragon as a wrist tattoo, what happens if the wings are too large and wrap around your wrist so that you can’t see the artistry in one glance?
You might say that you should just make the Dragon smaller, but that could lead to the details of the body needing to be compromised to fit your wrist.
So, let’s take a look at some ideas for where your new dragon tattoo might fit.
Dragon Tattoo On the Arm and Leg
For Chinese and Japanese Mythical Dragon tattoos , the arm and leg are the best places to get your Dragon tattoo.
The Asian Dragon’s long and sleek body has ample room to stretch down or up the arm and leg and still has plenty of space to twist and coil for added effect.
It would be preferable to have your Dragon’s head near the bottom of your leg as opposed to close to the thigh for men, as you will want your Dragon’s head visible while wearing shorts on a hot summer day.
Women can choose to have the head close to the thigh if they often go to the beach in a bikini, but if not, it is best to follow the initial advice if you’re keen on showing off your ink.
Back and Chest
If you’re looking to take full advantage of a dragon with a large wingspan, then the back is the place to go for your Dragon tattoo for both males and females, while the chest if more preferable for males.
For both sexes, the back offers a relatively flat surface with a lot of width that really allows the wings to spread out without compromising the detail of the main body of the Dragon.
Men can proudly boast their Dragon tattoo across the center of their chest for that bold and charismatic look, while for women they should have wings close to the clavicle, the head near the neck line and the tail running between the breasts.
Dragon Tattoo On The Ear
As stated earlier, for those looking for something more discrete yet elegant, the ear and ankle are great spots for your Dragon tattoo.
It doesn’t matter which Dragon type you go for here; they’ll be minimalist by design. Still, you can opt for a small Asian style Dragon tucked neatly behind the ear, one that wraps over the ear, or even a neat little effect where the tail protrudes from the bottom of the ear lobe with the head emerging from the hole at the top of the ear and out to the side of the head.
But if you prefer winged Dragons, you can choose one small open-winged or this Dragon family style.
Arm Shoulder Chest
As mentioned in the Gyarados design, when it comes to Asian Dragon Tattoos, the arm, shoulder, and chest combo is one of the most popular.
It gives the Dragon the length it needs down the arm, coiling around the shoulder for that 3-dimensional effect, and the chest offers a great canvas for fully showcasing the detail in the Dragon’s head, just like this Yakuza Dragon Tattoo.
It has both an intimidating yet striking appearance, and it’s for those who are serious about tattoo artistry and the Dragon as their chosen deity.
If you don’t want to take up space on your arm or shoulder, just think about getting only a Dragon Head Tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Dragon Tattoo Ideas
Are Dragon Tattoos Lucky?
Dragon tattoos, especially those inspired by Chinese mythology, are often associated with luck, protection, power, and wisdom.
In ancient Chinese culture, dragons were revered as godlike beings with control over water and rain, symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
A dragon tattoo can embody these positive attributes, making it a popular choice for those looking to imbue their body art with a deeper, auspicious meaning.
Where Should I Put My Dragon Tattoo?
The placement of a dragon tattoo can vary based on the style and design of the dragon. Serpent-like dragons, with their elongated bodies, are well-suited for large areas like the back, where they can be depicted in dynamic, winding poses.
Chinese or Japanese dragons, known for their majestic wings, can beautifully transition over the shoulder, creating a seamless flow of art.
For more focused designs like a red dragon, the upper thigh or back provides an ideal canvas for detailed work.
Why Dragon Tattoo Is Not Allowed In Korea?
In Korea, dragon tattoos have a complex history due to their association with gang affiliations in the 20th century.
Gangs would often use tattoos, including dragon motifs, to signify membership or allegiance.
As a result, there’s been a cultural hesitation towards dragon tattoos, with many tattoo artists and individuals avoiding them to distance themselves from the connotations of gang culture and the potential for misinterpretation of the tattoo’s intent.
Conclusion
And there we have it. We’ve soared high into the sky of Dragon tattoo designs and pulled our greatest ideas straight out from the belly of the beast.
If you’re someone who’s thinking about getting a Dragon Tattoo, then there is no magic spell that will make your after-ink soreness disappear.
Just like a burn from a Dragon’s breath you will need to take the appropriate care to get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
So check out these great tattoo aftercareproducts to reduce pain and discomfort and keep the fire alive and your Dragon ink looking as fresh and alive for as long as possible.
We hope that this guide has given you some inspiration on your noble quest to find and conquer your perfect Dragon Tattoo, but if not, we have plenty of other designs in our tattoo gallery here. Check it out!
