The Grim Reaper is a sign of death in many cultures. In Western culture it is often seen as a skeleton in a cloak, with a scythe or a noose, usually a male. He is usually seen as frightening, but in myth does not actually kill people, he merely guides you to the afterlife. This version of the reaper is based off of Charon, from Greek mythology, who steers the boat across the River Styx, carrying the dead across to the underworld.

American Traditional reaper by Chad Leever at Revolution Tattoo in Indiana.

Amazing torso portrait of Charon crossing the River Styx by Teresa Sharpe at Unkindness Art in Richmond, VA.

Reaper tattoos are usually done in American traditional style, but are also often done in black and grey, neo traditional, dotwork, and realism.

Dotwork Reaper riding the waves by Alicia Anderson at Village Ink Tattoos in Clearwater, FL.

Dark Reaper back piece by Herb Auerbach at California Electric Tattoo Parlour in Soquel California.

Reaper horse riding by Justin Dion at Sovereign Tattoo in Portland Oregon.

The reaper is often shown in tattoo form as just a hood and skull,with its scythe, but is also often seen in full body form.

Traditional hooded Reaper by James Armstrong at Holy Mountain Tattoo in the UK.

Dark female Reaper by Sim at Cosmic Tattoo in Essex UK.

Female neo traditional hooded Reaper by Justin Harris at Black Vulture Gallery in Philadelphia.

Don’t fear the Reaper.