What Do the Words Drakkar Noir Mean?

Drakkar Noir literally means "black dragon ship," combining Old Norse and French terminology. The phrase is two words put together rather than a single concept. Most are familiar with Drakkar Noir as the second men's fragrance produced by Guy Laroche, a French fashion designer and manufacturer.

Definition

The drakkar (or drekar) was the largest type of Viking vessel designed for warfare and raids during AD 800 to 1100. It was an impressive ship in its time because of its power and speed. The architecture of the drakkar ensured that it would be big and sturdy, yet easy to navigate.
Noir as "black" refers to film noir, which originated from crime fiction of the 1930s and 1940s. It is a style rather than a color. The definition of film noir is controversial---some see film noir as a genre, and others believe that noir is a concept that film sometimes portrays.

Drakkar Features

A drakkar consisted of these parts:
• A large rectangular sail providing speed and power
• A mast providing sturdiness
• A long keel (backbone of the ship) built from oak wood providing stability
• A shallow draft (amount of water that floats the ship) providing versatile navigation
Overall, the design of the drakkar resembled a large dragon. The Vikings intricately carved a dragon head at the front to intimidate their opponents, and the rest of the ship composed the dragon's body.

Noir Features

Film noir tends to have these characteristics:
• Crime and violence
• Narration
• Visual style, often black and white
• Bleak mood
• Inversion of traditional values
• Alienation and pessimism

Film noir shares many themes with French existentialism, particularly "God is Dead." According to Nietzsche, science replaces religion and philosophy as mankind rejects traditional values that gave meaning to life. The result is despair that he can submit to or overcome. The elements of film noir are reminiscent of the disorientation caused by loss of meaning.

Significance

Drakkar Noir is the name of a men's fragrance released in 1982 by French designer Guy Laroche, replacing the Drakkar fragrance introduced in 1972. It is a counterpart to the Guy Laroche women's fragrance Fidji. Drakkar Noir and Fidji perfumes are a main staple of the Guy Laroche label.

Function

"Black dragon ship" suggests adventure and daring, which fit into the Guy Laroche vision for a men's product. Guy Laroche targets the contemporary man who is characterized by:
• Spontaneous and international lifestyle
• Free-spirit, action and involvement
The name Drakkar Noir evokes masculinity while representing the Laroche values:
• Harmony
• Light
• Attitude
• Quality
• Aesthetics