A chimera is a combination of the incongruous, unrealizable fantasies, everything incomprehensible, strange fictional or even real creatures, but initially only one mythical character had this name. Today we will find out what kind of animal it is, where it came from, reveal the meaning of the chimera tattoo and give some advice about your future tattoo.
A brief excursion into mythology
Initially, a chimera is a character from Greek mythology, the first mention of which is found in the Iliad. This monster is the daughter of Typhon and Echidna, who during their marriage managed to produce many terrible creatures (remember at least Scylla or Cerberus). The Chimera was depicted with the body of a lion and three heads: the lion's was in its place - in front of the body, a goat's head grew from the back, and the tail of the Chimera was a snake and ended in a snake's head. In addition to her frightening appearance, she also spewed fire from her mouth, which is also mentioned in the Aeneid.
The death of the monster is described in myths about the hero Bellerophon, whom the Tirynthian king Proetus sent to his son-in-law Iobates and asked him to secretly organize the murder of the great warrior. Iobath himself was afraid to attempt to kill Bellerophon, so he began to send him on very dangerous missions, hoping that one of them would be his last. Such a task was the Chimera, which he was able to overcome with a mountain.
Creatures like the Greek Chimera exist in the myths of other peoples. For example, in Japanese folklore, there is a Nue character with a monkey head, a raccoon dog body, tiger paws, and a snake instead of a tail. It was believed that this creature brings misfortune and illness.
Chinese mythology also has its own chimera - Qilin. It has the face of a dragon, several horns, horse hooves and a bear's tail, and the body of this creature is covered with blue-green scales. Qilin is one of the few chimeras considered a positive symbol: a meeting with this creature promised well-being and longevity.
The most famous sculptural image, dating from the 5th century BC. e., was found in the city of Arezzo. The sculpture is cast in bronze and is considered one of the finest examples of Etruscan art.
In the Middle Ages, gargoyles were called chimeras, which often causes confusion, but, in fact, these days this word can refer to everything impossible, incomprehensible and incongruous. The term "chimera" is even in modern biology, used to refer to animals or plants whose cells contain genetically heterogeneous material.
The symbolism of the chimera in the tattoo
Chimera is an ambiguous symbol. On the one hand, this is an evil creature that either attacks people or sends misfortunes to them with the help of magic, but on the other hand, if you dig deeper, new facets of the symbolism of this character are revealed.
The chimera combines what, according to the majority, should not be combined, therefore, such an image may indicate a person with non-standard and versatile interests and hobbies that surprise, alarm or even frighten others. Works with a chimera are suitable for people who believe that society does not accept them for who they are, but do not want to hide their essence under a mask, as many do in order to be accepted.
Such characters for tattoos are usually chosen by people who challenge society. Chimera is a repulsive image, but strong, because it is a powerful beast that not many will be able to cope with. Such an image may indicate that its owner is able to defend himself and attack if he wants to. The chimera in this context can be seen as a warning or a threat.
The plot with the hero defeating the monster is easier to understand. In this case, the work takes on a completely different meaning, speaks of the victory of good over evil. We are all constantly fighting with our inner demons, it is a continuous war of a lifetime. Some battles we win, some we lose, but as long as we don't give up, there is a chance that someday the dark side will be finally defeated.
Choice of style and location
The chimera tattoo does not belong to a typically female or typically male, the symbolism of the image is too wide to fit into such a framework, but in fact the images of these characters on male bodies can be seen much more often.
Tattoos with chimeras are quite rare, so the idea is original in itself. If you are close to oriental motifs, pay attention to works in the oriental style, demons and monsters look especially impressive in it. Tattoos in this style can tell a whole story, each element has its own meaning, which complements the overall concept.
Another interesting option is realism. Realistic images of mythical characters seem to come to life, make you believe in them. When it comes to monsters, it is the realism of the work that causes fear, anxiety, or even disgust. This style is not in vain considered one of the most difficult to perform, because it is not easy to achieve a resemblance to the original even on canvas, and applying such an image to the skin is a task that only the owner of true talent can handle.
Tattoos with a chimera have a rather awesome look. Allegorically, it is a symbol of gossip, delusional and outrageous ideas. In some cultures, this creature personifies the seasons, being a synthesis of several animals. For some, this is a monster, for others, an image filled with mysticism.
It is designed to intimidate and evoke conflicting feelings. The image of a chimera can hardly be called a common tattoo, and this is not surprising. Because not everyone dares to apply such a pattern to the body, especially since it often has to be quite voluminous, it is hardly possible to express an idea on a couple of centimeters of skin.
A more complex drawing, the plot of which represents the victory over the chimera. It symbolizes the triumph of goodness, light, the oppression of deceit and evil. Such a plot is in accordance with ancient mythology, according to which the heroes defeated such a creature of evil.
This can be a symbol of victory not only over external manifestations, but also over one's own shortcomings, gloomy thoughts, and the bad sides of the essence. To defeat a chimera means to overcome the beginning of an evil, insincere, vile person in oneself. Such a struggle is carried on daily within each person and the chimera must not be allowed to win.
Also, a chimera can be a kind of personification of a reminder for a person who knows about his flaws, but struggles with them, trying to nullify them. Chimera tattoo breathes mysticism. This image is not suitable for the fair sex. His choice should be approached with special care and awareness.
Chimera is designed to instill fear. Still, after all, the appearance is frightening: sharpened fangs combined with predatory claws, wings with membranes and a body with marked veins, this creature, according to the beliefs of the Greeks, was quite dangerous for people. It is from ancient Greece that the plot of the tattoo is borrowed.
Tattoos with this mystical creature have received an identical interpretation in a variety of cultures. The one who chooses such an image has non-standard thinking and is not afraid to challenge society, to be in the epicenter of attention. The tattoo symbolizes aggressiveness, attachment to mysticism, passion for esotericism, faith in predestination.
The sketches representing the tattoo are distinguished by their elaborateness and attention to detail. The image of this tattoo requires high skill. Some believe that the idea of a tattoo is most clearly seen in polychrome sketches. The monochrome image gives the tattoo a gloomy and sinister look.
It is difficult to say that the image radiates optimism, but nevertheless it attracts attention, looks quite unusual and outrageous.
Images of mythical characters are often found in the art of body painting. A chimera tattoo is an unusual and dangerous image that carries a deep symbolic meaning. What is the true meaning of the drawing, and what can be said about its owner?
Myths about the Chimera
Chimera is the oldest character known to people. The daughter of Typhon and Echidna, who "became famous" for their terrible children, was first mentioned in the Iliad. An ancient Greek creature with three heads (a lion was in front, a goat was on its back, a snake instead of a tail) spewed fire from its mouth, which caused fear and horror to others. According to the myth, only the hero Bellerophon could kill the Chimera. In Japanese mythology, a creature like the Chimera was depicted as a raccoon dog with the head of a monkey, paws of a tiger, and a tail in the form of a snake. This image brought grief, illness and misfortune.
China has its own Chimera named Qilin. She is depicted as a blue-green scaly dragon with the horns, hooves and tail of a bear. This is a good creature, promising happiness and prosperity. In the Middle Ages, gargoyles were called chimeras. In our time, everything incongruous, incomprehensible, inconsistent is associated with this creature. In biology, there is a term "chimera", which means a set of genetically heterogeneous cells of animals or plants.
Who will suit the Chimera tattoo
Tattoos with the Chimera are in great demand among lovers of body painting. The meaning, like the image itself, is diverse. On the one hand, this is an evil terrible creature that invites misfortune and misfortune with the help of magic and witchcraft, on the other hand, it is a combination of incompatible concepts and traits of a person’s character. Chimera tattoos are preferred by people who are unusual, thinking outside the box, trying to openly convey their point of view to others. Usually these are creative individuals who perceive the world in their own way. They try to show life through the prism of their own view with the help of poems, paintings - and tattoos.
Sometimes the image of the Chimera on the body has a mystical and witchcraft meaning. Such a tattoo either serves as a talisman for its owner, or indicates belonging to the world of magic.
People who challenge society will also prefer the Chimera tattoo. They are able to aggressively resist established canons, and if necessary, they will attack themselves. These are very brave, active personalities, causing fire on themselves. People who prefer the drawing with the hero defeating the Chimera put a completely different meaning into it. The victory of good over evil, and of a person over his shortcomings, complexes, bad habits - the meaning of such a tattoo.
Technique
Chimera tattoos look original in oriental and ethnic styles. In addition, the drawing has a fairly powerful energy and is able to act as an amulet. The composition usually carries positive symbolism, since in China the mythical hybrid creature promises good luck and prosperity. In this style, the sketch should be in color, with a predominance of yellow and red. A large tattoo will look beautiful on the arm, back or chest. Only an experienced master with a good artistic talent will be able to convey the meaning of the picture, who will select a photo according to your wishes. Such a tattoo will reflect your inner world and will be a great decoration.
Representatives of the stronger sex can opt for dotwork or engraving styles. A monochrome tattoo will look somewhat aggressive, which will give the image of brutality and masculinity. Drawing in such styles is also best done on a large scale, because a small tattoo will not be able to convey important details.
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Photo tattoos and sketches with Chimera
A tattoo depicting a chimera means aggressiveness, mysticism, a penchant for esoteric sciences, faith in fate, gossip, deceit, internal struggle, a willingness to challenge fate, outrageousness, demonstrativeness, fearlessness, threat, danger.
The meaning of the chimera tattoo
Chimera is a mythical ancient Greek creature depicted as a monstrous monster with a goat's body, a snake's belly and a lion's head, spewing hellish fire from its mouth. Sometimes a chimera is represented as a creature with a female breast and the head and tail of a dragon. Such a creature causes fear and attracts with its mystical nature.
People believed that it was capable of summoning storms and winds on land and sea. Since ancient times, the chimera has personified unrealizable dreams, human sins and vices, in addition, it has been an ancient symbol of evil.
The chimera also evokes associations with something incomprehensible, frighteningly strange, incongruous, fictional, a combination that seems to be incompatible. Chimera carries qualities that, according to most, cannot or should not be combined. A tattoo with such an image is suitable for a person of non-standard views, who has different and incompatible hobbies and interests that can frighten and arouse suspicion among society.
There is also the other side of the medal of horror of chimeras - victory over the monster. A tattoo depicting a victory over a terrible monster means the victory of good and light over the forces of evil and darkness. This plot is described in myths in which heroes triumph over evil. Evil means gloomy thoughts, bad qualities of a person, his flaws, those qualities that he wants to overcome.
Such an internal struggle does not give rest to a person who has made himself a tattoo with the image of a chimera. After all, the main task is to prevent the chimera from gaining the upper hand over his personality. A tattoo with such an image will not let its owner forget about his inner ongoing battle.
A chimera tattoo is chosen by individuals who think extraordinary, courageous, outrageous, not afraid to arouse protest in society, who want to be in the spotlight. Such a person, as a rule, is fond of mysticism, believes in fate, is fearless, prone to aggression.
A tattoo depicting a chimera is suitable for people who are sure that society does not accept them as they are. And despite this, they do not want to hide their essence in order to please anyone. Such people are self-sufficient and freely show their character, challenging society.
The image of the chimera itself is very repulsive, but it has the great power of the beast, which is not so easy to defeat. Based on this, the owner of a tattoo depicting a chimera can be interpreted as a person who is able to defend himself and attack, if he considers it necessary.
A chimera tattoo is not very popular, it is also not suitable for girls. You should opt for a chimera tattoo very carefully and deliberately, since such a tattoo carries a mystical meaning.
