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The Trident Tattoo Meaning and 110 Powerful Tattoos to Inspire You

by Sherri Owens

A trident tattoo can represent power, creation, destruction, mindfulness, leaving the past behind, and more.

The first time I even thought of the meaning behind the trident tattoo was when I was asked to design one for a client. They told about some of the significance of the trident tattoo and it sounded so interesting that I had to learn more.

In this post I will guide you through the trident tattoo meaning and show you the different designs to accompany each meaning. Let's get started.

Trident Tattoo Meanings

Here, you can find trident tattoo meanings across all theologies and regions:

The Trident Tattoo and Greek Mythology

One of the most famous appearance of the trident is with the Ancient Greek god Poseidon - god of the sea.

Poseidon is an Olympian, one of the original children of Cronus and a brother to the mighty Zeus. He is also father to Pegasus, the winged horse.

According to legend, Poseidon was given the trident, a magical weapon, as a gift from the Cyclops. It was meant to be a show of gratitude as Poseidon helped to free the Cyclops from Tartarus with the help of his brothers.

Poseidon with Trident Sculpture

Image by @deniz__kiyisi via Instagram

It is believed that the trident is made from brass or gold. As the story goes, the trident has numerous powers. It can create earthquakes, separate sea from land, and creating rivers.

What is interesting about Poseidon and his trident is the temperamental nature of the master and his weapon. In ancient times, while the trident could be used to help people, it could also be used to create great destruction.

This is why they are popular power tattoos.

In this case, the trident tattoo can refer to your potential. The trident tattoo is a symbol that it is up to you to decide whether you should use your capabilities for good or for evil.

Considering the role that Poseidon plays in the ocean, sailors used to pray to him in particular. They prayed for safe passage on the open seas and the trident and trident tattoo became a symbol of seafarers.

Black and Grey Poseidon Arm Sleeve Tattoo

Image by @jks.tatts via Instagram

Now, if you are more versed in Roman mythology, you may be thinking that Poseidon and Neptune, the Roman god of the sea sound rather similar.

Well, you wouldn't be wrong. The Roman gods are heavily based on the Greek ones. So, Neptune and Poseidon share many things in common, including the trident.

The Trident Tattoo and Hindu Mythology

If you are interested in Indian mythology, then you may have noticed that the god Shiva holds an object that looks a great deal like a trident.

Well, this is known as the Trishul and it is considered to be a symbol of god Shiva. Shiva is one of the most powerful gods in Hindu mythology. He is yet another god with a dual temperament.

Shiva Sculpture

Image by @its.love.for.you via Instagram

On the one hand, he is constantly meditating and trying to improve his conscientiousness. He is also a symbol of power, benevolence, goodness, and is seen as a protector. He is meant to oversee and protect the Indian Vedic philosophy as well.

At the same time, Shiva is associated with time. Due to this, he is seen as the bringer of destruction and creation. He destroys to bring forth a new cycle of creation.

In this case, your trident tattoo could be a symbol that you are done with the old and ready for a new beginning. Your trident tattoo can also symbolize the cyclic nature of everything.

Shiva is also said to harness the power of evil spirits. In this instance, your trident tattoo could indicate you taking control over your own demons so that you can improve yourself.

Mahadev with Trident Sculpure

Image by @natureloverphotoblogs70 via Instagram

So:

What does Trishul tattoo mean?

The trishul is meant to define the three states - waking, sleeping, and dreaming. Shiva is above these three states of consciousness but still has control over them.

Trident Sculpure

Image by @pics_picture_ via Instagram

Due to this, your trident tattoo can be associated with your desire to conquer these states. This could be a reminder for you to practice consciousness, conscientiousness, and meditation.

Many people also believe that the trishul represents the three types of pain: physical, spiritual, and ethereal. The trishul is meant to alleviate all these types of suffering.

So, this kind of trident tattoo works well for anyone who has experienced suffering and wants to leave this pain in the past.

The Military Meaning of the Trident Tattoo

Finally, there is a military meaning behind the trident and trident tattoo. This isn't too surprising as this has been a common symbol for weapons and warfare.

Well, the Navy SEALs, one of the most elite special forces team in the world has an insignia called the Trident. It consists of an anchor, eagle, trident, and pistol.

Eagle and Trident Chest Tattoo

Image by @dr.pottertattooing via Instagram

In this military version, the anchor represents the Navy branch of the US military, the eagle represents air warfare, the trident is water warfare, and the pistol represents land warfare.

If you have served in the Navy and battled on or in water, then a trident tattoo is a suitable tattoo idea for you. The same goes for being in any kind of battle, really. This trident tattoo also works well if you would like to honor a Navy man or woman.

What is the Spiritual Meaning of the Trident Tattoo?

At least one meaning of the trident tattoo does involve Christianity. However, you should be aware that this is not the most common interpretation of the trident or the trident tattoo.

Some people see the trident and trident tattoo as a symbol of the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

While this may not be the most obvious interpretation of the trident or the trident tattoo, I do have to admit that it would be a really cool and unique way to represent your faith.

The Top Trident Tattoo Designs

If you are looking for the best trident tattoo ideas and the meanings behind them, here is the collection that you should take a look at:

Simple Trident Tattoos

If you want to attach meanings of various origins to your trident tattoo, then a simple trident tattoo design will work best for you.

The minimalism of both the details and the design of the trident tattoo means that you can assign any and all symbolism to it. There are a lot of very nice looking tattoo designs for this kind of concept.

This type of trident tattoo works well if you would like small or medium sized trident tattoos. Here are the trident tattoo ideas that you should check out:

Black Trident Spine Tattoo

Image by @lucidartstattoo via Instagram

Grey Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @ink.tonight_doartink via Instagram

Black and Grey Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @merievermeij via Instagram

Black and Purple Trident Tattoo

Image by @sono.tattoo via Instagram

Broken Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @sofiabasiliotattoos via Instagram

Grey Trident Spine Tattoo

Image by @johanagricola123 via Instagram

Trident with Broken Stick Forearm Tattoo

Image by @frangoth_tattoo via Instagram

Small Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @rvckage via Instagram

Grey Sea Wave and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @hive.tattoo.sarnia via Instagram

Minimalistic Trident Biceps Tattoo

Image by @llala_tattoo via Instagram

Grey Trident Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @jo_ink__ via Instagram

Banner Wrapped Around Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbyjacob via Instagram

Mini Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @squidman_dim via Instagram

Black and Grey Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @rakesh3157 via Instagram

Banner with Dates and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @queso_tattoo via Instagram

Blood Drops and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @danielratattoo via Instagram

Grey Shaded Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @inkmetskintattoos via Instagram

Minimalistic Trident Thumb Tattoo

Image by @zinnnnnn.tattoo via Instagram

Grey Trident Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @thearteternal via Instagram

Shaded Trident Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @rhiijadeetattoo via Instagram

Aquaman inspired Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @petervincenttattooer via Instagram

Little Trident Ankle Tattoo

Image by @hayhaa via Instagram

Neptune Trident Ribs Tattoo

Image by @megluantattoo via Instagram

Black Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @umuttattooart via Instagram

Branch with Leaves and Trident Spine Tattoo

Image by @rackham_tattoo via Instagram

Black and Grey Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @shearsbyarun via Instagram

Roman Numbers and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @kumar_tattoo_studio via Instagram

Black Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @ananjtattoos via Instagram

Black and Grey Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @staytruetattoo806 via Instagram

Black Trident Elbow Tattoo

Image by @naresh_tattooist via Instagram

Trident with Message Leg Tattoo

Image by @maria.inkk via Instagram

Aquaman Inspired Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @snowy.art via Instagram

Eye and Trishul Neck Tattoo

Image by @sacredinkrishikesh via Instagram

Thin Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @shonztattoo via Instagram

Black Trident Hand Tattoo

Image by @bikaner_tattoo via Instagram

Poseidon and Neptune Inspired Trident Tattoos

If you love Greek mythology or Roman mythology, you will likely associate a trident tattoo with either Poseidon or Neptune. I would argue that most trident tattoos are based on these Gods.

Now, if these are the kind of trident tattoo ideas that inspire you, there are several trident tattoo designs that you can consider.

If you are looking for a more minimalistic trident tattoo, you can simply choose a trident tattoo that is based on the original mythic trident.

For something a bit more nautical, you can get maybe even waves around the trident tattoo. Or, have a hand grasping the trident reaching out of the water in your trident tattoo.

If you want something more complex for your trident tattoo, especially for your upper or lower arm, you can consider including one of the gods in your trident tattoo design as well.

I have to warn you that such scenes can be quite challenging to draw and create, particularly on skin. Due to this, I would suggest employing a tattoo artist who has experience tattooing tridents and such concepts. This will ensure that you end up with the best trident tattoo possible.

Also, choose an actual tattoo design to take to the artist so they have a better idea of the effect that you want to create with your own trident tattoo.

To determine which kind of trident tattoo concept appeals to you the most, here are the trident tattoo designs that you should check out:

Black and Grey Trident Chest Tattoo

Image by @caspertattoojagodina91 via Instagram

Sea Waves and Trident Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @der_monarch_starnberg via Instagram

Colored Waves and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @blacksheepgalleryandtattoos via Instagram

Ocean Waves and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @paintedtemple_orem via Instagram

Grey Waves and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @mike_hervin via Instagram

Blue Waves and Gold Trident Tattoo

Image by @naryn.waveandsauna_seoul via Instagram

Wave and Trident Thigh Tattoo

Image by @raegancagley.tattoos via Instagram

Hand holding Golden Trident Tattoo

Image by @flashink.seminyak via Instagram

Compass and Trident Tattoo

Image by @alien_ink_trichy via Instagram

Wave and Poseidon Trident Tattoo

Image by @maiapoppytattoo via Instagram

Octopus and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @aikengang via Instagram

Manta Ray and Trident Ribs Tattoo

Image by @willycutliptattoo via Instagram

Waves and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @moses_tattoo_ via Instagram

Grey Shaded Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @yiucheng_ink__ via Instagram

Blue Waves and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @greasymonkey310 via Instagram

Poseidon Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @rakesh3157 via Instagram

Shaded Rope around Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @scaledxwings via Instagram

Poseidon with Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @nels_tatts via Instagram

Black and Grey Fish and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @babuska_tattoo_podgorica via Instagram

Waves and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @inkbylara via Instagram

Water Splash and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @katyink.art via Instagram

Wave with Message and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @ninkanova via Instagram

Blue Water Splash and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @baris.tattoo via Instagram

Black Water Splash and Trident Back Tattoo

Image by @oldmatetattoo via Instagram

Big Ocean Wave and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @emilio_crispintattoo via Instagram

Blue Ocean Wave and Gold Trident Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @potato.parlour via Instagram

Grey Waves and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @inkpulse_tattoos via Instagram

Geometric Wave and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @cosmic_monsters_incorporated via Instagram

Water and Planets with Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @thedivineeyetattoo via Instagram

Shaded Waves and Trident Forearm Tattoo

Image by @krvzytattoos via Instagram

Poseidon's Hand with Trident Leg Tattoo

Image by @tattoohans via Instagram

Trident with Greek Ornament Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @anis_tatoo_studio via Instagram

Black and Grey Poseidon's Trident Tattoo

Image by @tadeutaiho via Instagram

Greyscale Trident Tattoo with Water Splash

Image by @evalyontattoo via Instagram

Ocean Waves and Trident Leg Tattoo

Image by @folsomcityink via Instagram

Bubbles and Leaves with Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @inked.by_kloey via Instagram

Black and Grey Waves and Trident Tattoo

Image by @hummingneedle via Instagram

Rope and Trident Arm Tattoo

Image by @evatattooing.ttt via Instagram

Waves and Trident Ribs Tattoo

Image by @visibleinktattoos via Instagram

Trishul Trident Tattoos

If you want a more spiritual trident tattoo, a trishul trident tattoo is the way to go. Just make sure that you know the exact design of the trishul before requesting your trident tattoo.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of details to follow with the trishul trident tattoo. So, check that you have an authentic trishul trident tattoo concept.

Religious texts or academic books are a good resource for your trishul trident tattoo.

Here are the trident tattoo designs that may inspire your own trident tattoo:

Black and Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @devilztattooz via Instagram

Black Trishul Spine Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbysanjay via Instagram

Black and Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @oiwa.ink via Instagram

Red Sun and Trishul Tattoo

Image by @devilztattooz via Instagram

Trishul with Karma Spine Tattoo

Image by @jay.rajput_ via Instagram

Shiva with Trishul Tattoo

Image by @wac_tattooandmr.social_scientist via Instagram

Black and White Trishul Neck Tattoo

Image by @sacredinkrishikesh via Instagram

Matching Trishul Forearm Tattoos

Image by @irezumitattoosindia via Instagram

Black and Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @royal_tattoostudio via Instagram

Grey Shaded Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbymegha via Instagram

Black Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @dx_tattoo_hunting via Instagram

Grey Hand holding Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @skyfreak_tattoo via Instagram

Black Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @ekka_ink_tattoo_art via Instagram

Thin Trishul Chest Tattoo

Image by @artline_artist_tattoo via Instagram

Black Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tattoohubpatiala via Instagram

Black and Red Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @needlepoint1986 via Instagram

Black and Red Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @omi_tattoos via Instagram

Black Trishul Neck Tattoo

Image by @kanji_gajeraandig_ajay_op via Instagram

Black Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @rk_tattoo_studio00 via Instagram

Black and Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @alpha_tattooz_indore via Instagram

Black and Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @circletattoodelhi via Instagram

Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @inkfixertattooz via Instagram

Black and Grey Trishul Chest Tattoo

Image by @jiten_tattoos_and_art via Instagram

Grey Shaded Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @yoboy_tattoostudio via Instagram

Red Stripes and Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @rdtattoonashik via Instagram

Black and Grey Trishul Neck Tattoo

Image by @omi_tattoos via Instagram

Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @jiraya_the_sage via Instagram

Shaded Hand Holding Trishul Tattoo

Image by @tattooempire12 via Instagram

Black Trishul with Eyes Forearm Tattoo

Image by @artline_artist_tattoo via Instagram

Black and Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @raj_tattoo613 via Instagram

Grey Trishul with Eye Tattoo

Image by @premtattoo via Instagram

Black and Purple Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @shintattoos via Instagram

Black and Red Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @blackink_studio_01 via Instagram

Small Blue Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @nagendraspinytattoo via Instagram

Black Trishul Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @paarth_vasani via Instagram

Grey Trishul Forearm Tattoo

Image by @omi_tattoos via Instagram

There you go - the many meanings behind the trident tattoo. Now that you're aware of what the trident tattoo can depict, the only thing left to do is to choose a suitable trident tattoo design.

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