Chrollo's tattoo in Hunter x Hunter may have more meaning than fans realize

Chrollo Lucilfer from Hunter X Hunter is one of the most intriguing characters from the series, especially due to his history etched with his fellow Phantom Troupe members and Meteor City. But something that is even more interesting about him is his character design.

Despite being the leader of a group like Phantom Troup, he tends to hide the cross on his forehead whenever he has to make a move in public. This indicates that the cross is not added for aesthetics but to denote some form of symbolism. While manga creator Yoshihiro Togashi has yet to explain the meaning behind the tattoo, a fan theory has suggested a reason.

Hunter X Hunter fan theory suggests Chrollo Lucilfer's cross tattoo to be a sign of defiance

Chrollo Lucilfer as seen in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

According to a theory by Hunter X Hunter fan on X (formerly Twitter) @kuroxkura, Phantom Troupe leader Chrollo Lucilfer's forehead cross tattoo could be a sign of defiance.

As explained by @kuroxkura, in the 13th century, Coptics from the Coptic Orthodox Church (the largest Christian community in the Middle East) used to tattoo the cross on their forehead as a permanent symbol of reverence for their beliefs.

At the time, Coptics were under harsh Islamic rule. Hence, it did not serve an aesthetic purpose but was a means to outwardly show their beliefs as a Christian while living in an Islamic popular country.

As evident from the series, Chrollo Lucilfer's tattoo reflects the practice. While the manga has yet to depict it, his tattoo could also be a form of defiance against his oppressors and the harsh Meteor City conditions that he and his friends were forced to endure.

Otherwise, there is also the chance that the tattoo is a symbol to show his devotion to the Meteor City. With the Phantom Troupe almost always away on missions, the tattoo could be a way for him to define his identity or past. However, the one theory that makes the most sense is the one pertaining to defiance.

This is because, if Chrollo only wanted a reminder of his identity and past, he could have had a tattoo made on his right wrist. But instead, similar to Copts of the 13th Century, he had the tattoo made on his forehead. This means that he wanted people to know about his beliefs.

Chrollo Lucilfer as seen in Hunter X Hunter anime (Image via Madhouse)

This also explains why he usually ends up covering his forehead when he goes undercover. One could deduce that Chrollo hides his tattoo because people could identify him with that. But if that was the case, given how smart he is, he would have never gotten the tattoo made in the first place.

Therefore, it can effectively be deduced that Chrollo's cross tattoo is not for aesthetics but for personal beliefs. Had it not been for something that important, he would have never risked making such an identifiable mark on his body.