Jellyfish are graceful translucent creatures that each of us has encountered while swimming in the sea. They got their name thanks to the famous character of Greek myths - Medusa the Gorgon, because their tentacles resembled moving snakes on the head of a gorgon. Both the mythical Medusa and the real inhabitants of the deep sea became the basis for the plots of many works of fine art, tattoos were no exception. Gorgon Medusa tattoos, like works with ordinary sea jellyfish, are not found very often, so this idea is quite original.
What does a picture of a gorgon say about you?
The myth about her will help you figure out what the Gorgon Medusa tattoo means. By the way, in fact, it is more correct to say the gorgon Medusa, and not vice versa, as we are used to. Gorgon is the name of a type of monster, it is translated as “terrible” or “formidable,” and Medusa is a name meaning “protector” or “sovereign.” There were three Gorgon sisters in total: Medusa, Stheno and Euryale. According to a later version of the myth, described by Ovid, Medusa was an ordinary girl who was desired by the god of the seas, Poseidon. For their relationship (which, by the way, took place against the will of Medusa herself), the goddess Athena cursed her and her sisters, turning them into monsters. This is the tragic fate of the three sisters - they turned out to be guilty without guilt. According to another version, Euryale and Stheno themselves decided to become monsters as a sign of sympathy for their sister.
Judging by the descriptions, the gorgons had some resemblance to dragons: their body was covered with shiny scales, which, according to legend, were so strong that only the sword of Hermes could cut them. Their hands were copper, sharp steel claws grew on them, and poisonous snakes hissed on their heads instead of hair. Their eyes burned with anger, and their faces expressed such rage that their gaze turned a person to stone. On their golden wings they chased the victim, which they certainly tore apart and drank its blood.
As you know, Medusa was eventually defeated by Perseus. Her severed head, even after death, retained the ability to turn people into stone, so he used it in battles.
The image of the gorgon Medusa is equally popular among both women and men. The rage and ferocity of these monsters indicate the meaning of the Gorgon Medusa tattoo, which is associated with danger and threat. That is, the person who chose such a tattoo wants to warn others - if he is attacked, a retaliatory strike will follow immediately.
Another meaning that has more to do with women’s Medusa tattoos is deceit and resourcefulness. The owner of such a job as a gorgon, who turns everyone who displeases her into stone with just one glance, is able to neutralize anyone who stands in her way using methods more graceful than brute physical force.
According to one version of the myth, the gorgons guarded the Navel of the Earth, so Medusa can be perceived as the protector of the owner of the tattoo (it’s not for nothing that her name is translated that way); the tattoo can serve as a talisman against ill-wishers.
What is the meaning of sea creatures?
The depiction of real jellyfish, like their mythical namesake, is also equally loved by both sexes. The meaning of a jellyfish tattoo is related to its nature - in order to support life, it must be in continuous motion. However, this is not a tiring race, but a calm movement with the flow. Such a tattoo may indicate achieving harmony with the world and oneself. A person floats peacefully with the flow not because he is lacking initiative, he simply fell into the right current and now enjoys peace.
Calmness is not the only meaning hidden in the image of a jellyfish. As you know, its poisonous tentacles can cause severe pain to the offender. Therefore, the ability to stand up for oneself is an equally important aspect of the symbol. That is, the bearer of a tattoo with a jellyfish can be a completely peaceful, quiet and calm person, but at the same time he will not allow himself to be offended.
Which style should you choose?
You can easily get confused among the many styles in which a jellyfish tattoo looks good; watercolor is one of the most successful solutions. The jellyfish itself appears fuzzy, translucent, almost ghostly, so this style is ideal for this type of work.
Watercolor images can be made in either delicate pastel colors or bright, catchy colors. A minimum of clear lines and a blurred silhouette will perfectly help to display the jellyfish in all its glory. The shades can be anything from soft pinks and lilacs to bright reds and oranges. You can depict a jellyfish on a blue background, this will evoke associations with the depths of the sea.
Jellyfish tattoos usually have an oblong shape, so it is better to choose appropriate places on the body for them - thighs, calves, shoulders and forearms. If you are planning a large piece, it will look great on the ribs.
In addition to the depiction of jellyfish as they are, there are very interesting subjects, for example, the body of a jellyfish, stylized as a brain or made in the form of a mandala. If you have a rich imagination, there can be many ideas.
If you want to depict the gorgon Medusa on your body, it is best to turn to realism. Although Medusa is a monster, her face is still female, and realistic portraits in the realism style look most impressive. Many people add various jewelry to the look of Medusa: tiaras with precious stones, intricate earrings and necklaces. The Gorgon is depicted both with a calm expression and with an evil grin.
Among the large number of sea creatures, a special place should be given to the jellyfish. This is a very extraordinary creature. The jellyfish looks fragile and airy, however, it is capable of killing several people with its poison. The combination of incompatible things in one creature is very intriguing. Even the structure of her body makes us admire. The jellyfish has no backbone or brain, and its 24 eyes give it an alien-like appearance. In addition, the jellyfish’s lifestyle adds even more exoticism to its appearance. These creatures live 10 km deep in the sea, in complete darkness and in the absence of any food. And her serene way of movement carries complete harmony with the world around her.
The meaning of a jellyfish tattoo
A tattoo with such a rather exotic creature is not so common. Mostly its owners are sailors or people closely associated with the sea and its inhabitants. Jellyfish personifies harmony and tranquility; it helps to concentrate and “go with the flow of life.”
Girls choose jellyfish for tattoos because they are beautiful. Medusa symbolizes the grace and fragility of the fair sex. However, if a jellyfish is tattooed on the wrist, then such a girl is outwardly deceptive and her femininity hides a “portion of poison.” Such girls want to gain power over a man, which is especially evident from the jellyfish tattoo, made in very bright, even acidic colors.
If the color scheme is nondescript, then such a girl is very calm and sweet, but unexpected actions are still present in her life.
Sometimes a tattoo with a jellyfish characterizes a person who cannot find himself in life and “drifts across the open spaces,” just like a jellyfish. In addition to the real jellyfish, there is the concept of a mythical creature - the Gargon Medusa. This beautiful girl with snakes instead of hair had a killer beauty, and in the literal sense. Those who dared to look at her died.
For a man, the Gargona jellyfish on the body means victory over female cunning. And for a girl, this is a warning to others about the potential danger that threatens her offenders. The owner of such a tattoo says: “I am beautiful, love me, but be prepared for the unexpected.”
Jellyfish tattoos are also used in prisons. If a girl has been to the zone and has a tattoo with a jellyfish, this is a symbol of hidden resentment and a desire to take revenge on the culprit. And in prisoner men, the head of the Gargona Medusa is more often found; such a tattoo indicates the betrayal of the woman he loves.
Popular performance styles
Fans of bright colors will love the jellyfish made using watercolor or realism techniques. You can take an image from a photo of a real jellyfish, or you can go to the fantasy side and depict something alien and cosmic. Such experiments are suitable for creative individuals and people with extraordinary thinking.
You can use realism and old school styles for tattoos. Also, thin tentacles and graceful outlines look interesting in graphic design, made in the form of regular lines and shapes. In any form, a tattoo with the image of a jellyfish does not carry anything negative; it can simply serve as decoration or contain a secret meaning known only to the owner of the tattoo.
Images of real creatures quite often become the basis of tattoos. In addition, marine themes have almost always excited many of us. That is why the drawing containing the image of a jellyfish has become so popular. They can be used both by those who live near the sea and by those who simply like the strange image of this creature. These tattoos are interesting because they carry quite contradictory meanings and can also be used by both men and women. Moreover, the color schemes for drawing the sketch are quite interesting.
Jellyfish. sea creatures
Jellyfish are the common name for invertebrates that kill their victims using tentacles. These unique creatures live only in salt water, so they can be found in oceans and seas. Moreover, depending on the species, they can be found in completely different places. Thus, there are specimens that prefer depths, and in contrast to them, jellyfish are known that try to stay closer to the surface. Also, some of these invertebrates love the cold, while other species live only in warm waters.
Jellyfish tattoo on a girl's leg
The appearance of jellyfish resembles a bell or a parachute. These sea inhabitants consist mainly of water, so you can see something rolling under their shell, like jelly. A jellyfish tattoo, whose meaning is as controversial as the creature itself, can play up the appearance of the animal by adding interesting details. Along the edges of the body, which is unstable in shape, there are usually tentacles, the thickness and length of which depend on the type of jellyfish.
Medusa in black and white on a guy's bicep
Jellyfish are cunning predators
According to statistics, it is jellyfish are the most numerous predators on the planet. They feed on small crustaceans, fry or fish eggs. It is also known that large species can absorb both smaller fish and their relatives. When finding a victim, the jellyfish can spray poison that paralyzes potential food. There are also variants in which tentacles and a special substance that glues the prey are used for hunting.
Did you know? Jellyfish lack a brain and sensory organs. In the conventional sense, they cannot hear, see or smell. However, they have cells that are particularly sensitive to cells. According to scientists, despite the fact that jellyfish cannot distinguish between objects, they can notice the change between darkness and light. Also, thanks to these cells, jellyfish can glow in the dark, and the illumination is different for the inhabitants of deep and surface waters. A jellyfish tattoo, the photos of which are quite interesting, can take this feature into account.
Jellyfish tattoo in black and white version
Meaning of jellyfish tattoo
The jellyfish tattoo, a sketch of which can be found on the Internet, has several basic meanings:
- Boiling life. This is precisely the meaning attached to those who love the sea and its inhabitants. Such an image can personify the owner’s dreams of a beautiful, hectic life. Alternatively, a person can speak with this drawing about already existing joys;
- Hidden danger. Jellyfish, despite its beauty, is very dangerous, can burn painfully. Likewise, a person who chooses this type of tattoo wants to emphasize his originality. Despite his modest appearance or timid character, he can adequately respond to offenders;
- Alien beauty. Still, the appearance of these creatures is quite original, as if it speaks of its unusualness. It seems that jellyfish were not created on Earth. That's why they are chosen by extraordinary, unusual individuals;
- Calm. The whole life of jellyfish denies vanity. They are very quiet and slow creatures. They are not in a hurry, but seem to go with the flow. Likewise, the owner of such a tattoo does not tolerate fuss; he can only exist in calm and stable situations;
- Grace. Anyone who has seen jellyfish in motion cannot dispute the fact that these creatures look very elegant and gentle. This is how the owner of a tattoo emphasizes his qualities;
- Revival. As is known, these creatures have a tendency to regenerate. Almost all jellyfish cells are replaceable. Therefore, it can serve as a symbol of faith in eternal life.
Small blue jellyfish tattoo
Jellyfish image options
As a basis for a tattoo, a jellyfish is an excellent option. They look beautiful in both color and black and white. At the same time, sketches are often used in which the jellyfish is depicted in one tone, and its outline is outlined, creating a backlit effect. Usually choose blue or red options. This is due to the fact that deep-sea jellyfish are capable of emitting a reddish glow, while those that prefer water near the surface have a blue glow.
Another option for a jellyfish tattoo
A beautiful and large jellyfish settled on my forearm. I won't say that I'm a big fan of these creatures, but they fascinate me. The very fact that they have no brain, but at the same time survive well in the world, surprises me. Therefore, I think that I made the right choice. The tattoo is made in color, the artist used blue and green tones, so my creature seems to be swimming under water. Looks very realistic.
Angelina, Novosibirsk.
Jellyfish tattoo on leg
Gorgon Medusa. Mystical image in a tattoo
Sometimes people may choose as the basis for a tattoo the image of a mythical creature, whose name gives the name to jellyfish. Despite the fact that the image of the girl, with
It has been around for many centuries. The first tattoo was discovered on a princess of Ukok in the 5th century BC. In the novels of many famous writers from different countries, such as Beaumarchais, V. Hugo, people with “signs” and “symbols” on their bodies are described. The term “tattoo” was brought to Europe by J. Cook after a trip to Tahiti. The body designs of the Rus were first mentioned in 920 in the stories of the Arab traveler Ibn Fadlan.
Then for many centuries our ancestors did not have a tradition of making tattoos. Then tattoos began to be done by sailors on ships in the early 20th century. Then the criminals picked up the tradition. Of course, there was no talk of any art here. They just wanted to stand out, to indicate their hierarchy and affiliation with the criminal world.
And only in recent years has the tradition of simply decorating your body with drawings come to our country; the masters are famous throughout the world, considered one of the best, especially the masters of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Many styles have emerged. Tattoo festivals are held. In tattoo parlors, there may be a waiting list for a good artist for several months in advance. People from Europe come to them to leave an unforgettable design on their bodies. The Gorgon Medusa tattoo is very popular.
The legend of the death glare
The youngest daughter of the sea elder, Medusa, was one of three sisters. She had very beautiful hair. The sea god Poseidon really wanted to get her, and the girl disappeared, not wanting to see him. The insidious Poseidon turned into a bird, flew into the temple and possessed it. The goddess Athena was angry at such treachery in her temple and, instead of punishing God, she turned the unfortunate girl into a monster. Instead of her wonderful hair there were evil hydras, and when they looked at her, people turned to stone.
Over time, the girl’s heart became so hardened by this horror that she deliberately began to kill people. Only Perseus, with the help of Athena's advice, was able to overcome the monster, cutting off its head with a sword. He looked only at the reflection of the Gorgon in the shield.
The meaning of tattoos for men
Men choose the Gorgon Medusa tattoo because of its severity and strong energy. Often guys choose it in the form of a severed head, thereby symbolizing their invincibility and fearlessness. The deceit of women does not affect the wearer of the Gorgon Medusa tattoo. He considers himself invulnerable under a woman's magical gaze.
If she is depicted in full growth, with all the curves of her body, then this has the meaning of terrible deceit. The guy wants to show that outwardly he can be alone, soft and balanced, but in his soul there is a riot going on. The furious look of the Gorgon is chosen by guys who want to show their fearlessness and fortitude. It’s better not to approach this; a retaliatory strike will not be long in coming.
The meaning of the Gorgon Medusa tattoo for women
The woman who chose such a tattoo wants to show her willfulness and magical sexuality. She is an outwardly beautiful woman, but try to offend me. Revenge will be unpredictable. Also, the Gorgon Medusa tattoo is chosen by independent and proud girls who want to show that it is not recommended to “play cat and mouse” with them. They can stand up for themselves. Sometimes women choose this image to emphasize their mystery. Rarely, there are cases when a deceived woman takes on such an image in order to protect herself from the attacks of the unworthy. The tattoo gives her strength and self-confidence, shows others that she is better than her, that she will not bear insults, and no one will be able to offend her.
Preparing for a tattoo
Before applying the image on the body, the master must make a sketch. The salons have albums with samples, and the client chooses a suitable tattoo from them. More often than not, people look at tattoos on the Internet before going to the salon. Having chosen, for example, a “Medusa Gorgon” tattoo, the photo is shown to the artist in the salon. Usually tattoo artists work only in their own style. If the master’s work style is neotradition, then he will not want to do a tattoo in realism or finished work. Especially if it is a good master.
Usually a professional tattoo artist is a good artist and draws the designs himself. In order for the master to make an individual sketch, you need to come to him in advance and make an application. As the drawing progresses, the tattoo artist may suggest adding different elements to the plot. If you like the idea, he will finish it. However, super cool artists like to tattoo only according to their vision, so that their work can be recognized by their handwriting. So the client only has to obey and proudly bear the masterpiece of the famous tattoo artist.
Types and location on the body
The size of the tattoo is chosen according to desire and location. If the tattoo is on an arm or leg, then, of course, these will be small or medium-sized pictures. If you decide to stuff it on your back or chest, you can take a large size. There are color and black sketches.
The meaning of the Gorgon Medusa tattoo demonstrates strength and courage; it can have an evil, scary face, with fangs and furious mouths. The severed head is depicted with its eyes closed, blood flowing from the neck. Sometimes the image is complemented with roses, especially if it is old school. Also, the location of the snakes in different sketches differs from one another. Sometimes a mask is painted on the face.
When choosing a tattoo for yourself, you need to think carefully and carefully about what exactly you will have to wear on your body for the rest of your life. Read the meaning of the tattoo and decide whether it matches your character. It happens that even a weak person is given courage by a beautiful tattoo that has strong energy.
A jellyfish tattoo is far from the most popular image. The special features of these creatures, their intriguing appearance and sometimes mortal danger, which is skillfully hidden behind a fragile shell, lead to slight confusion. Therefore, few people are ready to choose a jellyfish as the main idea of a tattoo. Sketches of jellyfish tattoos look equally good in both black and white and color.
Jellyfish tattoos are most often found among people who live near the sea or ocean. The image of this creature does not belong to purely female or purely male images.
Medusa represents grace and tranquility. These are creatures that need constant movement in order to maintain their existence. They move in harmony with the flow of life and show exactly how to interact with the natural energy of the entire universe.
Looking at the image of a jellyfish, you can’t help but think that you should spend more time solving problems rather than meaninglessly drifting. We can say that the meaning of a jellyfish tattoo is twofold.
Jellyfish tattoos can often be seen on those people who adore the sea, as well as the life boiling in it. The unique appearance of jellyfish allows you to show the lion's share of creativity in choosing a design. You can choose a jellyfish with thin, line-like tentacles and a small round body, or a jellyfish with fairly thick, colorful tentacles and a large, colorful, realistic body.
By the way, realistic tattoos can be painted in a variety of colors and shades, from pinkish to orange. You can outline the jellyfish with a bluish tint (this will symbolize water). A jellyfish tattoo that glows in ultraviolet light will look impressive. Extraordinary people and individualists often get a jellyfish tattoo, which has a complex, fantastic beginning.
There are variants of jellyfish that somewhat resemble aliens. Since jellyfish themselves have an unusual, almost extraterrestrial appearance, it will not be so difficult to make something like a monster out of a jellyfish.
A large jellyfish that resembles a mushroom can be imagined in space; for example, a jellyfish wraps its immense tentacles around the entire planet. Considering that a jellyfish tattoo is quite rare, it can be considered very unique. This is another reason why extraordinary people should choose it.
Video of jellyfish tattoo
And remember: no matter what the jellyfish tattoo design is, the main thing is that it is unique! Below are photos of jellyfish tattoos from different artists for your inspiration.
