Goddess and Personification of Victory
In Greek Mythology, Nike was the Goddess of speed, strength and victory. Also known as Winged Goddess, Nike is most often pictured as having wings. In Hesiod’s ‘Theogony’ she was the child of Pallas (Titan) and Styx. In most beliefs, Styx is the name of the river that separates Planet Earth from the Gates of Hell (Hades). The River Styx was named for Nike’s grandfather Tethys.
Nike and her three sisters, Zelus (Zeal/power), Bia(Force) and Kralas (Strength) were brought by Styx to Zeus to assist him in the great Titan battle whose ultimate goal was to gain control of Mount Olympus.
Ancient Greeks worshiped her because they believed she could make them live forever. That she was able to grant humans the strength and speed needed to be victorious in any task they undertook.
Goddess Nike in Hesiod’s Works
Origin and Family
In “Theogony,” Hesiod offers a detailed genealogy of the gods.As mentioned at the beginning of this post, Nike is presented in these myths as the offspring of Pallas and Styx. This lineage is significant as it places her among the second generation of the mighty Titans. This links her to both the primordial elements and the Olympian gods.
Her birth from Styx, the personification of the river that forms the boundary between Earth and the Underworld, symbolizes a connection between the mortal world and the divine.
Role in the Titanomachy
Hesiod’s account of the Titanomachy, the epic battle between the Titans and the Olympians, is a cornerstone of Greek mythology. Nike and her siblings are depicted as key allies of Zeus. Their allegiance to Zeus in this cosmic struggle is emblematic of the triumph of the Olympian order over the older Titan forces. Representing a shift from chaos to order. Nike’s role in this myth underscores her as a symbol of the victorious outcome of this cosmic battle.
Nike as a Charioteer
Nike’s portrayal as the divine, chief charioteer for Zeus during the great Titanomachy conflict, is laden with symbolism. In ancient cultures, the charioteer was often seen as guiding the fate of those they carried. Her role in driving Zeus’s chariot can be interpreted as her guiding the path to victory, making her an integral part of Zeus’s power and authority.
Nike’s reward for doing this was that Zeus promised to keep her near him and to protect her forever. She is often seen seated beside Zeus on Mount Olympus.
Goddess Nike in Homer’s Works
The Iliad
In “The Iliad,” Nike is not a central figure, but her presence is woven into the narrative fabric. She is often seen in the company of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. This association with Athena, who herself is a key player in the Trojan War, reinforces Nike’s role as a divine force that tips the scales towards victory in battle.
The Trojan War
While Nike does not directly participate in the events of the Trojan War, her influence is palpable. Warriors in the epic, like Achilles and Hector, often seek the favor of gods like Nike to ensure victory in their martial endeavors. This reflects the ancient Greek belief in divine intervention in human affairs, especially in matters of war and glory.
General Myths and Associations
Athletic Competitions
In ancient Greece, athletic prowess was highly valued, and athletic competitions were seen as a means to gain favor with the gods. Nike was revered as the patroness of athletes, and her blessings were sought for victory. This association is particularly evident during the Olympic Games, where victors were often seen as being favored by Nike.
Nike’s Temples and Shrines
Temples and shrines dedicated to Nike were common in ancient Greece. These were not just places of worship but also served as communal spaces where victories in war and athletic competitions were celebrated. Offerings and sacrifices made at these sites were a way for the ancient Greeks to connect with the divine, seeking favor and commemorating successes.
Appearance
When Nike appeared alone, she always had wings and sported a palm branch in her right hand. If she was seen with another god, she was always wingless. According to many accounts, Nike is portrayed without wings in Athens so that she could never fly away from their city.
In Roman Culture
In Roman Mythology, Nike was known as Victoria, after Greece fell to the Roman Empire. She appears with Zeus on statues in places such as the Temple of Zeus in Attica and on the west portico of the Temple of Athena in Athens.
Goddess Nike In Art And Antiquity
A sculpture dating back to 424 to 203 BC known as “Nike of Samothrace” that was unearthed in 1863 may be seen at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The oldest Nike sculpture known to exist believed to date back to 550 BCE. It is located on the Greek island of Delos.
Most sculptures of the goddess were made from the core of a piece of wood encased in ivory and gold. One is estimated to be 29 feet tall. Many sculptures of Zeus and/or Athena hold a smaller Nike in their right hand.
Nike’s typical attire in paintings, sculptures and other art media was a flowing gown of gold and wings. These were symbolizing her right to grant victory or to remove it later should the victor not remain worthy. She always carried a palm branch in her right hand as a symbol of peace. Another very important thing she carried was a wreath, always ready to crown a victor in battle or games of challenge. When she is pictured with the Staff of Hermes, this means that one of Nike’s roles was to serve as a messenger from the gods.
Nike being depicted holding wreath reminds us that as the Goddess of Victory she was always ready to encase a winner’s neck and shoulders in a garland of victory. She was also often seen with a cup or pitcher and a bowl from which a victory toast was consumed.
Nike is often seen with a shield upon which it was said that she inscribed the name of each victor of a battle.
How Nike Relates to the Modern World
- Regardless of whether it is 2024 or 250BC, mankind has equated success and triumph with being regarded as #1 in some pursuit. Whether it be a sport or in our career.
- Since 1928, the Olympics Medal has sported Nike on the obverse side bearing her wreath of victory. She also holds the shield upon which the victor’s name is inscribed.
- A portion of the hood ornament on all Rolls-Royce vehicles includes a depiction of Nike.
- Honda motorcycles use a symbol of Nike as part of the company’s logo.
- Nike has been the symbol used since 1945 by America’s Anti Aircraft Missile System.
- Statues of her often include a lyre or kithara used to celebrate a victory with song and dance.
- In keeping with Zeus’s promise to make Nike to live forever as the Goddess of speed, strength and victory, people of all ages have the opportunity to wear Nike shoes. As proof of the power of Nike, many sports stars maintain they owe their success to Nike shoes. Thirty per cent of sports footwear sales belong to Nike. For example, Michael Jordan is said to have made more money from his Nike endorsem*nts than all of its manufacturing labor force.
- Headquartered in Oregon, Nike has been the leader in the world of sports equipment and apparel since 1978. They are estimated to employ 44,000 workers around the globe. The name Nike was chosen by company founders because of her attributes of speed and victory.
- For the swoosh symbol that appears on the side of each Nike shoe, Nike employee Carolyn Davis was paid $35 for the design. Rumor has it she later received an undisclosed amount of stock options as well.
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