#( cm : boris alehin the other kidnapper )

[vendettavalor]

// Some WTTG muses and the live action FCs I've given them

The Breather (Anthony Harrigan) // The Executioner (Trevor Donovan) // The Kidnapper (David Gandy)

The Other Kidnapper (Fyodor Bondarchuk) // Ms. Noir (WTTG2) (Angelina Jolie) // Mr. Noir (WTTG2) (David Beckham)

[vendettavalor]

Boris' Tattoos and their Meanings

LEFT ARM:

Skull with Barbed Wire Crown

Barbed wire is a common motif in prison tattoos signifying an individual being trapped in the most literal sense, as many prisons feature courtyards with fences lined with barbed wire. Skulls are common symbols in Russia and other European countries meant to represent "showing teeth" and being anti-authority. Crowns of thorns are often a type of religious symbolism referencing penance, hardship, and the desire for redemption through suffering. Crossing these motifs together, this tattoo likely symbolizes that Boris seeks redemption for what he has done while also feeling trapped during his time in incarceration - and that he resents authorities for imprisoning him because he did not think his actions were worth the punishment of jail time.

Russian Club of Thieves

A much more niche symbol, it has ties to organized crime in Russia dating back all the way to the time of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Its usage has become more widespread in modern days but its meaning remains the same. A simplification of the traditional club symbol found on playing cards, the symbol literally means "thief." Exact details as to the kind of thief may vary, but the universal understanding of the term is that the individual donning this tattoo is a thief of some sort. It's far from his most liked symbol. Rather, it was more a symbol he had to pick up in order to blend in with his work.

Anchor

Another very common tattoo to receive, anchors can have many meanings. For sailors, it is a symbol that one has crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Often times, it is combined with a name to symbolize that said person is someone's anchor - as in, inspiration, motivator, or supporter. On its own, the anchor is often meant as a symbol meant to keep its bearer safe and grounded, especially as they travel. For Boris, the anchor was a symbol of hope and safe passage as he left Russia for the States.

Fly

Strange as it may sound, flies are often used in tattoo art to represent adaptability, persistence, and transformation. They can also represent the ability to multiply ventures, prosperity and endeavors and a fast rate. In short, flies are meant to represent adaptable nature and luck - something Boris figured he'd need both of considering how he was uprooting his entire life.

Coffin

Coffins are an interesting symbol for tattoos as they have multiple meanings. For some, they serve as a reminder of death. In prison culture, coffins are often a symbol that someone is dangerous, has murdered, and will murder. For others, coffins can be a symbol against murder. Still others use it as a representation of the fact that, in prison, one's entire identity is effectively stripped away and killed. For Boris, the coffin represents the fact that while he was incarcerated, it felt like the man he was died.

Fishhook

Yet another common tattoo received by many, a fishhook symbolizes faith, prosperity, strength, and determination. Like several other tattoos Boris has, the fishhook was something of a charm he got in hopes that it would mean his transition to America would be smooth and prosperous.

Razor Blade

Razor blades are another common tattoo with multiple meanings. Depending on the shape of the tattoo the meaning can be changed. Common meanings include:

Tenacity and Strength: It represents inner strength and tenacity and symbolizes the strength and fortitude to overcome obstacles. The blade’s sharpness symbolizes perseverance.

Transformation & transition: This Razor symbolizes transition, discarding the old and welcoming the new. It indicates the capacity to sever bad influences, habits, or attachments to evolve and start again.

Precision and Detail: They are are known for their accuracy. It emphasizes the necessity for the deliberate and precise activity to obtain desired results.

Paradoxical Nature: It reminds us that certain things in life are both tempting and dangerous, needing careful balance

Tragically, the razor blade can also be a symbol of self-harm and self-destruction, and the recovery process of such habits. In Boris' case, the razor blade is a bittersweet reminder of one of the lowest points in his life, in which he felt so desperate, trapped, and broken that he turned to self-harm and self-destruction to try and cope with his feelings.

LEFT ARM:

Spider

Spiders are incredibly common motifs in prison tattoos. Black widows are the most common, often representing that the person is a killer. Spiders on webs are often used to communicate to others that a person has been "trapped in the [prison] system." The spider crawling on the right shoulder is indicative of a thief. If the spider is crawling up the shoulder, the thief is still active. If the spider is crawling down, this means the thief is done with the criminal life. In Boris' case, he received the spider on his right shoulder facing downward to represent that he wanted to be done with the criminal life once he moved. Unfortunately, life had other plans.

12 Tally Marks

Tally marks can have a variety of different meanings. For prisoners or soldiers, they are often tattooed as a way of showing how many lives they have taken. In Boris’ case, the 12 tally marks represent the number of lives he took during his brief time as a soldier. However, they are not a sign of pride. They are a reminder of the guilt he felt and the penance he continues to pay for killing them.

Cathedral

Cathedrals, or Kremlins, represent time spent incarcerated and are iconic Russian prison tattoos. The more domes an inmate’s church has indicates the number of sentences or years they have served over their lifetime. These tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. In Boris' case, his tattoo contains five domes which correlates to the five years he spent incarcerated.