Unlocking the Mystery: The Hidden Meaning of Makarov's Tattoos in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Highlights

The reveal trailer of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 offers a glimpse into the world of the game's main antagonist, Vladmir Makarov, through his extensive collection of prison tattoos. This gives us an early understanding of his criminal reputation and sheds light on his motivations and beliefs.

Makarov's body is adorned with numerous tattoos which serve as a testament to his feared reputation and criminal status within the Russian prisons. These tattoos, including a depiction of the grim reaper entwined with barbed wire and a snarling wolf, symbolize his role as a bringer of death and his defiance towards authority.

With the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 marking the conclusion of an epic trilogy, fans have ample reasons to be excited. Much of the game's promotional material has revolved around its gripping singleplayer storyline, with the notorious CoD antagonist Vladimir Makarov taking center stage.

Makarov's notoriety precedes him, and his role in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 promises to be explosive. To provide fans with more information, a reveal trailer exclusively dedicated to Makarov has been unveiled. The trailer showcases Makarov's presence in a Russian prison, highlighting the intricate tattoos that adorn his body. These tattoos, depicted in great detail, offer intriguing early insights into the antagonist's motivations and beliefs.

Modern Warfare 3's Makarov's Prison Tattoos

In the original Modern Warfare trilogy, Makarov was given ample opportunity to develop as the main villain. However, fans of the new trilogy will only encounter him in the final game. This means that players will experience a significant amount of Makarov's fanatical terrorism in Modern Warfare 3, as he is expected to escape captivity and become involved in the game's global conflict.

Much of the missing backstory can be inferred from the numerous tattoos adorning Makarov. These tattoos hold great significance within the context of Russian prisons, serving as a sort of service record for the individual. Each tattoo tells a story and provides insight into the bearer's personal history.

Modern Warfare 3: The Symbolism Behind Makarov's Tattoos

Makarov's formidable reputation and criminal notoriety are indisputably reflected in the multitude of tattoos adorning his body. The sheer number of these tattoos serves as an unmistakable indication of his fearsome standing. Moreover, the trepidation exhibited by fellow inmates towards Makarov further solidifies his menacing persona. This gripping reveal trailer particularly focuses on certain tattoos, effectively conveying Makarov's compelling backstory in Modern Warfare 3 through the intricate art etched onto his skin.

The first tattoo showcased in the trailer captures Makarov's right arm. It portrays a formidable grim reaper encircled by menacing barbed wire, wielding a scythe and a skull. Although lacking a direct interpretation within Russian prison culture, this tattoo unmistakably symbolizes Makarov as a harbinger of death, with the addition of barbed wire accentuating the seriousness of his persona. As the orchestrator of the notorious "No Russian" terrorist assault in the original Modern Warfare 2, this tattoo serves as a stark reminder of Makarov's dangerous disposition and should not be underestimated.

Skulls displaying their teeth can be found all over Makarov's body, reflecting his disapproval and defiance towards authority in Russian prison society. This idea is further emphasized by the snarling wolf tattooed on his back, known as an Oskal, which translates to "big grin" in Russian. Additionally, Makarov proudly bears the two-headed Russian eagle, a longstanding symbol of opposition against the communist regime, serving to reinforce his fervent revolutionary beliefs in his homeland.

Makarov's back is also adorned with stars, symbolizing immense power among Russian prisoners. This notion is further emphasized by his intricate Kremlin tattoo, featuring numerous spires that indicate his extensive history of serving sentences. From his tattoos alone, it is evident that Makarov is already a formidable and feared criminal. With his strong disdain for government and authority, it is clear why Makarov is regarded as a formidable and significant force in Modern Warfare 3.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launches on November 10.