Wolves are a popular choice of animal for a tattoo. The image of a lone wolf most commonly represents ideas of independence and survival. The lone wolf tattoo can also symbolize strength as well as danger. Introversion and otherness are two additional meanings of a lone wolf tattoo.
In this article, we’ll look at the different meanings a lone wolf tattoo can have.
All About Wolves
Wolves are part of the canine family and their Latin name is Canis lupus. These animals originated in parts of North America, Asia, and Europe. Wolves usually travel in packs and are territorial animals. The wolf eats other animals like deer and wild boar, as well as rabbits, birds, fish, and wild fruit.
Lone wolves usually leave their pack between the age of one and two years old. They come to be alone for two reasons. The first is that they choose to leave their pack because they are not strong enough to handle the aggression within the group.
Alternatively, the wolf may be cast out of their pack if they are not contributing in terms of hunting or if they are slowing the pack down because they are sick or dying.
Lone Wolf Tattoos
Tattoos of wolves are most often done in black and gray ink. Some images will have the eyes done in a different color, usually a bright blue. The majority of wolf tattoos are realistic in nature, though some incorporate a tribal or geometric design. While they range in size, wolf tattoos tend to be larger pieces to illustrate the details of the animal.
These tattoos often have the wolf as the sole image but some tattoos incorporate other artwork into them. For example, the moon is a common object that is illustrated along with the wolf. Another frequently seen piece is a wolf with a forest of trees surrounding or behind it.
Wolf tattoos sometimes show the animal with its mouth closed, presenting a calmer image of the wolf. Other illustrations depict a snarling or growling wolf that is baring its teeth–this shows a different personality of the animal that is more dangerous.
Independence
Unlike most wolves, who are social animals and live in packs, the lone wolf is an independent creature who lives alone. This animal, either by choice or necessity, must learn how to live without the support of its family. Lone wolves only have themselves to rely on when it comes to hunting and finding food.
A person may decide to get a lone wolf tattoo to represent their independent nature. This individual may prefer being alone and have a tendency to avoid group interactions. Someone who values their independence and doesn’t like to rely on other people for what they need may consider themselves a lone wolf.
An individual might also choose the lone wolf tattoo if they desire independence that they don’t currently have. Someone who is living in a situation with others, whether this is a partner or family, maybe hoping to strike out on their own in the future. This person might like the lone wolf image as it represents a type of freedom for them.
Someone who gets a lone wolf tattoo to symbolize independence may choose the complimentary image of a compass. Tattoos that illustrate the wolf and compass signify finding one’s own path and possibly going against the expected or traditional way of doing things.
Strength
Wolves are very strong animals. In fact, a pack of wolves is able to bring down large animals like moose for their sustenance. They are also fast runners, strong swimmers, and have an incredibly strong bite, especially when in the midst of attacking prey.
A lone wolf tattoo can symbolize a person’s physical strength but it may also represent psychological or mental toughness. Someone who has been through a lot and had to deal with it on their own may choose a lone wolf to represent their resilience.
Introversion
The lone wolf tattoo can also represent a person’s introverted personality. These individuals tend to prefer being alone and do their best work as an individual, not within a group. Someone who has embraced this part of their identity may like the image of a lone wolf and see the animal as a kindred spirit.
Survival
Since lone wolves do not have the luxury of other animals around to help with hunting and protection, they must survive on their own. The lone wolf must pay greater attention to survival and be on alert for the threat of predators. They are at a disadvantage when it comes to feeding as they are not able to take down large animals on their own.
An individual who has survived on their own for a long time without the help of family or community may be drawn to the image of a lone wolf. These people have had to get through life relying only on their own abilities and strengths. The lone wolf tattoo can symbolize the person’s tenacity and fortitude.
Otherness
Without their family, lone wolves live on the edges of wolf packs. Similarly, a person who does not have people in their life to support them lives on the fringes of the community. In both of these instances, the animal and the person are considered an other–one who is different and apart from the rest.
A person who feels that they are an outcast or that they are not accepted by society may appreciate the image of a lone wolf. They might choose to get this tattoo because they can identify with the animal and how it feels to be cast out of the larger group.
Danger
Lone wolves are known to be more dangerous than their counterparts who travel in packs. This is because the lone animal has no other wolves to rely on for protection so it must develop an ability to protect itself at all costs.
Someone who opts to get a lone wolf tattoo may do so because they feel an association with this concept of danger. This individual might feel that they also have no choice but to do whatever is necessary to survive on their own.