The expression “fly too close to the sun” is known to many, but where did it come from? Icarus, the boy who tried to fly to the sun but fell, is a powerful symbol that comes from Greek mythology and is loved by tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts all over the world.
Today, we invite you to dive into Greek Mythology and learn about the meaning of the Icarus tattoo and the legend behind it. We’ve put together a collection of 60+ cool designs and ideas for tattoo placement for you. Moreover, we will reveal the main secret of the Icarus tattoo and tell you who is actually depicted on it.
Intrigued? Read on to find out the answer!
These tattoo artists brilliantly portray the beauty of flowers, so you can choose one of them for your next poppy tattoo.
Where Did The Icarus Tattoo Come From?
Icarus is known to us from Greek myths and Ovid’s texts. Although he is not a god nor a hero but an ordinary man, many people dedicate their tattoos to him. The tale of falling Icarus has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Its significance has carried through the ages and can still be seen today in the world of tattooing.
Icarus was the son of the famous inventor Daedalus, who created many amazing mechanisms. One of his greatest creations was a labyrinth to capture the Minotaur, built for the Cretan king Minos. However, fearing that Daedalus and his son would disclose the labyrinth’s secret, the king captured them as well.
Daedalus realized that the only way to escape was to fly away. Wings made of feathers and wax became his amazing new invention. He warned his son that the heat of the sun could melt the wax and water could wet the feathers, so they should fly neither too high nor too low. But Icarus was too carried away by the freedom of flight. He flew too close to the sun, so he lost his wings and fell into the ocean [1].
The tale of Icarus and Daedalus stands as a warning about the perils of arrogance and disobedience. In the Renaissance era, the image of Icarus experienced a resurgence in the works of artists and writers. Many famous paintings depict his desperate fall as a human inability to overcome the will of God.
Icarus has been a popular symbol in contemporary art. It is often used to represent humanity’s curiosity and the ability to push the boundaries of the known. This symbol can be found in various art forms such as books, paintings, music, and even graffiti. Interestingly, the falling Icarus design has become a trend in tattoo art since 2023 and continues to win hearts in 2024.
Icarus Tattoo Meaning That Made It Popular
The meaning of the Icarus tattoo is closely bound up with human desires and risks. Some meanings contrast with each other, but they all reveal our fascination with the unknown and the dangers of excessive ambition.
Now, let’s explore these meanings in greater detail:
- Ambition — represents the urge to reach new heights and achieve one’s goals, even if it involves risk. The death of Icarus illustrates how dangerous it can be to strive for a goal without considering the consequences.
- Freedom — signifies the desire for freedom and the ability to overcome limitations.
- Rebellion — it reflects a rebellious spirit against authority or societal norms, just like Icarus defying his father’s warnings.
- Risk-taking — emphasizes the willingness to take risks and face the consequences, as Icarus did when he flew too close to the sun.
- Overconfidence — warns against the dangers of arrogance and overconfidence, as happened to Icarus when he overestimated his capabilities.
- Creativity and innovation — emphasizes the inventive spirit and the pursuit of creative endeavors, as Daedalus created wings to escape imprisonment.
- Mortality — serves as a reminder of human weakness and the inevitable consequences of rash actions.
- Obedience to higher powers or wiser people — reflecting the recognition of one’s limitations and the importance of listening to the advice of those with greater wisdom or experience.
- Balance — a reminder of the need for balance and moderation in all endeavors, as flying too high or too low led Icarus to disaster.
You don’t have to give your tattoo one of these meanings, as the Icarus tattoo can express your passion for Greek mythology. You can also give your design a personalized meaning that will resonate deeply with your unique journey. Don’t limit yourself to lists — let your creativity flow!
Best Icarus Tattoo Ideas for Inspiration
Now that we have a clear understanding of the significance of the Icarus tattoo and the legend behind it, let’s take a look at our collection of the best designs.
Did you know that looking for tattoo ideas has now become even easier? Take advantage of a new feature on InkMatch — the gallery of designs.
Using theme search and filters, you can find a design on any topic. By selecting a tattoo, you will find the tattoo artist’s profile, where you can book a session in just a few clicks.
The Fall of Icarus Tattoo
The Fall of Icarus tattoo depicts the most tragic moment of the myth. Despite his father’s warning, Icarus flies too close to the sun, and we can see his despair when he realizes he is falling into the sea.
The tattoo can depict the falling Icarus against the sky, sun, or ocean below, evoking a sense of tragedy and warning. This design most often symbolizes the defeat of Icarus and the danger of being too ambitious.
This section is featured by our tattoo artists, Mikaela Poga and Austin Ringo.
Geometric Icarus Tattoo
Geometric elements in the Icarus tattoo emphasize the creative power of a person to push the boundaries of the known. This design is dedicated to how Daedalus’ invention allowed him and his son to conquer the sky.
You can add geometric lines, shapes, and patterns to the wings, background, or the whole composition.
This section is featured by our tattoo artist, Mikaela Poga.
Led Zeppelin Icarus Tattoo
Even the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin used the symbolism of Icarus in their work. They adopted a stylized version of the falling Icarus as one of their symbols.
The band drew inspiration from American artist William Rimmer’s painting “Evening (Falling Day),” which dates back to 1870. This image became the logo for Swan Song Records [3].
Led Zeppelin Icarus logo
The Led Zeppelin Icarus tattoo is a fantastic tribute to your favorite band, making it popular among music lovers and classic rock fans.
Icarus and Sun
This Icarus tattoo depicts his daring flight as he reaches for the sun with his wings. The sun is often depicted as an important element of the tattoo, radiating warmth and light, symbolizing ambition, aspiration, and new opportunities.
This section is featured by our tattoo artist, Joshua Grant.
Realistic Icarus Tattoo
A realistic tattoo of Icarus conveys all the subtleties of human anatomy and emotions. These tattoos often feature detailed shading, realistic proportions, and expressive faces, bringing Icarus to life in stunning detail.
Realistic Icarus tattoos can be especially breathtaking, showcasing the skill of the tattoo artist, so make sure you have found a professional tattoo artist.
Wings of Icarus
This design would be a great choice for a minimalistic Icarus tattoo. Focusing on the magnificent wings created by Daedalus, this tattoo emphasizes the power of the human mind and the ability to overcome any obstacle.
Such a design will become a powerful symbol of freedom, ambition, and human aspirations to soar to new heights.
How To Choose a Placement for the Icarus Tattoo?
Choosing the right spot for your Icarus tattoo is an important step. Think about the places where you want it to be visible or more discreet.
For large Icarus tattoos, the back, chest, forearm, and calf are popular locations. If you prefer a more subtle look, consider an Icarus tattoo on your wrist, collarbone, or ankle.
When choosing a location, consider your comfort level, as some areas of the body may be more sensitive to a tattoo than others. Keep in mind that areas with less muscle or more bone may be more painful. For example, realistic tattoos take much longer to complete, so we advise choosing less sensitive areas.
Hand and Forearm
Back and Chest
Leg and Thigh
Who Is Actually Depicted in Most Icarus Tattoos?
There are many Icarus tattoo designs, but the most popular one portrays a young man falling. Although we can’t see his face, the artist who created this iconic painting was able to convey all of Icarus’ despair as he loses his wings and falls into the ocean to his death.
But what if the original painting does not depict Icarus? Our team conducted research and discovered that the most popular Icarus falling tattoo design is derived from a painting created in 1588 by the artist Hendrik Goltzius. Unexpectedly, the original painting portrays the fall not of Icarus, but of another mythical character — . The tattoo community is still debating about this design, but that’s no reason to give up on this cool tattoo.
Hendrick Goltzius’s Phaeton, from “The Four Disgracers” (1588)
The image of Phaethon is often confused with Lucifer falling from Heaven because of the added wings to it. William Rimmer’s painting that inspired Led Zeppelin’s Icarus symbol is also a subject of debate about who is depicted in it. There are three popular versions — the fall of Lucifer, Icarus, or the flight of Apollo, a Greek god [3].
Thus, the identity behind most tattoos of falling Icarus remains a subject of interpretation and debate among tattoo enthusiasts and mythology lovers alike. We believe that the art of tattooing is primarily a way of self-expression, and only you decide who is depicted on your tattoo.
William Rimmer’s “Evening: Falling Day,” (1870)
Summary
Icarus tattoos have rightfully earned their popularity for their multifaceted meaning and stunning design.
By exploring a collection of 60+ stunning designs, we discovered not only the legend behind Icarus but also the symbolism it carries. We also uncovered the key to choosing an Icarus fall tattoo that will suit you best.
We hope our article has given you wings of inspiration for a new tattoo adventure!
FAQ
🤔 What Does Icarus Tattoo Mean?
Inspired by the Greek myth, the Icarus tattoo praises ambition, freedom, and the desire to reach new heights, but it’s also a story about the rebellious arrogance of youth.
⚡ Is Icarus the Son of Zeus?
Icarus is the son of Daedalus, not Zeus. Daedalus was a skilled craftsman who created wings out of feathers and wax for himself and his son to escape from Crete. Although Zeus in Greek mythology is known for having a lot of children, Icarus is not among them.
📜 What’s the Moral of Icarus?
The Icarus tale warns against arrogance and hubris, advocating for balance and heeding limitations. It warns against over-ambition and disregarding wise counsel, highlighting the perils of “flying too close to the sun.”
🏛 What Do Greek God Tattoos Mean?
Greek god tattoos symbolize qualities like strength, wisdom, protection, and guidance, reflecting the different symbols of each god. For instance, Zeus tattoos convey leadership and power, while Athena tattoos embody wisdom and strategy.
🙃 What Does the Fall of Icarus Tattoo Mean?
The Icarus tattoo has many conflicting meanings. It symbolizes excessive ambition and strength of the human spirit, recklessness, and curiosity.
References
- Wikipedia contributors. (2024, February 19). Icarus — Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icarus
- Wikipedia contributors. (2024a, February 18). MACS J1149 Lensed Star 1. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MACS_J1149_Lensed_Star_1
- Wikipedia contributors. (2024c, February 19). Led Zeppelin. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Led_Zeppelin#References
