She and her siblings were close companions ofZeus. [32] An example of a transitional phase in movement from the "kneeling run" to the alighting and striding pose is Paionios's statue of Nike discovered in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. If you use any of the content on this page in your own work, please use the code below to cite this page as the source of the content. https://www.thoughtco.com/greek-mythology-nike-1525981 (accessed December 11, 2022). Athena Nike was always wingless. However, he holds that the Athena Nike personality continued to exist alongside the distinct Nike personality. ", Parkin, Andrew. [9] Her Roman equivalent was Victoria. [21] When in the morning Typhon again issued his challenge, Zeus gathered the clouds around himself for armor and answered the monster's threats. The bowl and the cup were meant for libations to honor . This small sculpture of the goddess Nike was carved more than 2,500 years ago. Additionally, both of her feet are placed side by side in a standing pose rather than a striding pose. On top of Nike's head is an egg-shaped container for burning incense. "The Priestess of Athena Nike. "[46], In Athens Nike was often honored alongside Athena or as an attribute of Athena, where she was called Athena Nike. The decree was unusual because it broke with Athenian tradition by handing over control of the cult to the state and instituting a democratic selection of the next priestess of Athena Nike by lot from all Athenian women. According to Sikes, Nike was worshipped as a facet of Athena because Athena was Athens's patron goddess and thus held greater power in her own city and acropolis. In Greek Mythology, Nike was the Goddess of speed, strength and victory. As a result of this, her body also leans slightly downwards. [15] According to the Theogony Nike, Zelus, Kratos, and Bia "will not live apart from Zeus nor go except where the god goes before them, but they sit for ever beside heavy-booming Zeus. The Nike. In turn, the Olympians Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo, and Aphroditedefeated them and became the leading gods. [10] However, it has also been speculated to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European neik- meaning to attack or "start vehemently." [7] Thus, the two goddesses merged into one to form the Athena Nike personality. She came to be regarded as the protecting goddess of the Senate, and her statue in the Curia Julia (originally set up by Augustus in memory of the Battle of Actium) was the cause of the final combat between Christianity and paganism toward the end of the 4th century. [24] In the Theogony, this battle is described in a different manner. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Nike alone was winged. Created about 200 B.C., it is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Throughout her history, she has been allied with the most powerful gods in the Greek Pantheon. Due. Nike was usually shown as a small figure carried in the hands of Zeus or Athena. He is represented as a small figure in the hand of gods like Zeus and Athena, his ally. [36] Additionally, Paionios's Nike has adopted a striding stance as opposed to a pinwheel-type running stance. [42] According to Suidas, Athena Nike without wings represents calm civility while the pomegranate represents prosperity and the doffed helmet represents peace. His explanation was that the Athenians removed the goddess's wings to prevent her from ever leaving Athens. The name Nike is believed to have originated from the Greek word Neikos. Thus, the process of selecting a priestess in Athens was not traditionally a democratic process. This statue is speculated to be from the Hellenistic period according to Andrew Parkin. Nike was a goddess from the ancient Greek pantheon, and although not one of the major deities, Nike was still an important figure who represented Victory to the ancient Greeks. [27] In Bacchylides Ode 12 Nike encourages Teisias of Aegina to compete in the wrestling matches at Nemea. The goddess Nike came to be an everlasting symbol . Regula, deTraci. While the Greek word (nik) is of uncertain etymology, R.S.P. Origins and Genealogy: Her father was the Titan, Pallas and her mother was an Oceanid named Styx. While Nike's forearms and wings are missing the sockets for attaching her wings can be seen on her back. As Zeus rode off from the battlefield, Nike followed him driving her father's chariot. This work of art lives at the Getty Villa. Titan one of a family of giants who ruled the earth until overthrown by the Greek gods of Olympus. Nike was the goddess of victory in Greek mythology, depicted as having wings, hence her alternative name "Winged Goddess". The parents of Nike were Pallas and Styx. Besides her wings, her strengths are her fast running ability and her skill as the divine charioteer. He presided over athletic competitions and military disputes, symbolizing his victories. She often carries the staff of Hermes, symbolic of her role as the messenger of Victory. Also known as Winged Goddess, Nike is most often pictured as having wings. [12] According to Sikes, Nike existed as an independent deity from Athena since Nike represented victory in musical, athletic, and military competitions and Athena's authority was limited to strictly military victories. web . Many Greeks held victory celebrations, and held Nike in high regard. Nike (or Nic) was a Greek goddess who embodied victory in any discipline, including art, music, warfare, and sports. He was the son of Titans Crius and Eurybia; and during the Titanomachy, Pallas fought against the Olympians - a new and powerful generation of gods who were led by Zeus . Who were the parents of Nike? According to some ancient Greek texts, Nike was regarded as the daughter of. In addition to her image, the Olympic medal has the wreath of victory and shield symbols typically associated with Nike. [5] Nike gained this honored role beside Zeus during the Titanomachy where she was one of the first gods to offer her allegiance to Zeus. [20] When the many snake-headed giant Typhon laid siege to Olympus in the final days of the Titanomachy, Nike reproached Zeus for his hesitancy in confronting Typhon and urged him to gather his thunderbolts in preparation to defend Olympus. Instead of flying sideways, Paionios's Nike advances forward with feet just alighting upon the ground. "[14], Nike is often portrayed in literature in close association with Zeus or Athena. The name Nike was chosen by company founders because of her attributes of speed and victory. [52] For example, the priestess of Athena Polias was the heir of the aristocratic Eteoboutadai genos, since they controlled the priesthood for Athena Polias. In classical iconography, Nikeis depicted as a fit, young, winged women with a palm frond or blade. The legend and myth about Nike has been passed down through the ages and plays an important role in the history of the Ancient World and the study of the Greek classics. One of them, Nike adjusting her sandal, known as "The Sandal Binder" depicts the goddess draped in figure-revealing wet fabric. She and her siblings are said to be very close to Zeus, the dominant god of Olympus. [36] At her feet an eagle is shown to fly to the viewer's left as Nike moves forward with left leg stepping down to touch the earth. [39] The Nike of Corfu also has a hollowed out back which has resulted in Parkin, C. Vermeule, and D. Von Bothmer to hypothesize that the statue was originally mounted on another base or the statue was intended to fit into the hand of a larger deity. Given her striking appearance and unique skills, Nike does not actually appear in many mythological stories. [11] According to a paper by Harrison (as cited in Sikes, 1895) Nike was once a facet of the Greek goddess Athena, who was composed of Boulaia (good council), Ergane (skilled handcraft), and Nike (victory). The most celebrated depiction of Nike is not in Greece at all but dominates a gallery of the Louvre in Paris. That word means strife or struggle. [40] Pheidias's cult statue of Athena from the Parthenon in Athens also held a smaller Nike statuette in one hand and a spear in the other. She had three powerful siblings called Zelous (rivalry), Kratus (strength) and Bia (Force). ", Olga, Palagia. The Athena Nike statue within the Temple of Athena Nike on the Athenian Acropolis depicts the Greek goddess wingless[4] and seated with a pomegranate in her right hand and her helmet in her left hand. Not only is she the goddess of accomplishment she is also the goddess of triumphs, speed, strength, and military. ThoughtCo. [39] Her head is bent downwards slightly so that her gaze rests on the ground rather than the viewer. The Story of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory. ! Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [52], While the decree does not state the identity of the new priestess, a verse epitaph on a marble stele funerary monument reveals that the first priestess of Athena Nike to be selected democratically by lot was Myrrhine, daughter of Kallimachos. Pluto in ancient Roman mythology is the equivalent of Hades, the god of the underworld, i.e. In the modern Olympics, the Olympic medals given to winners have the image of the goddess Nike. Also known as Winged Goddess, Nike is most often pictured as having wings. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. According to many accounts, Nike is portrayed without wings in Athens so that she could never fly away from their city. Since 1928, the Olympics Medal has sported Nike on the obverse side bearing her wreath of victory and the shield upon which the victors name is inscribed. Nike had no consort or children. According to Hesiod's Theogony, "Styx, daughter of Oceanus, in union with Pallas, bore trim-ankled Victory [Nike]" as well as her siblings Zelus (Zeal or Aspiration), Kratos (Strength), and Bia (Power). [35] The statue originally stood near the temple of Zeus on an 8.45m high, three sided pillar. Beekes has suggested a Pre-Greek origin. "The Story of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory." Another very important fact about the goddess Nike is that: She was often painted or sculpted with a cup or a pitcher in her hands. Statues of her often include a lyre or kithara used to celebrate a victory with song and dance. [44], While Nike was often included in the cults of other gods, particularly Zeus and Athena, very few sanctuaries were dedicated solely to her. Nike As an attribute of both Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and the chief god, Zeus, Nike was represented in art as a small figure carried in the hand by those divinities. Regula, deTraci. 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). Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nike, in ancient Greek religion, the goddess of victory, daughter of the giant Pallas and of the infernal River Styx. This Incense Burner Supported by Nike was made by an unknown Greek artist in about 500-480 B.C. On both the north and south sides an array of winged Nikes are shown carrying offerings to Athena who sat seated at the west end of each stream of Nike. Nike is also depicted in literature as a goddess who judges the excellence of gods and mortals in competition. Nike was theGreek goddess of victory, closely associated with warfare as well as athletics. All these details suggest Nike is appearing and making a graceful descent to the earth rather than dashing sideways into view. Here at All Good Tales, we believe that storytelling can help your business succeed. Corrections? Among artistic representations of Nike are the sculpture by Paeonius (c. 420 bce) and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Required fields are marked *. It was also not uncommon for both ancient Greeks and Romans to pray to Nike to spare them from a bad situation or death. In Greek mythology, Nike (/naki/ (listen); Ancient Greek: , lit. According to his interpretation, the Athenians constructed the statue of Athena Nike without wings so that she would never leave the city of Athens. The name was chosen because nike is the goddess of speed and victory. Since Athena held greater power in Athens, she acquired some of the functions traditionally only Nike possessed as well as her title of Victory. Athena Nike was always wingless. [32] This slight forward and downward motion is illustrated in the Capitoline Nike (460 BCE) from Magna Grecia. It goes some way to explain her complicated origin. Learn more about the goddess, her story, and the mythology surrounding her before you visit the Acropolis of Athens, where she takes her place beside Athena. Indeed, Nike gradually came to be recognized as a sort of mediator of success between gods and men. Find out if it's on view . Worldhistoryedu is not responsible for the content of external sites. The purpose of the lyre was to celebrate victory while the wreath was for crowning the victor. Known as Winged Victory, or the Winged Victory of Samothrace, it presents the goddess standing on the prow of a boat. [48] The three votive processions on the parapet of the Temple of Athena Nike display this relationship between Athena and Nike. Nike alone is often depicted in Greek art winged and carrying a symbol of victory, such as a wreath or palm frond. The primordial gods were the first to emerge from ChaosGaia, the Earth Mother; Kronos, the spirit of Time; Uranus, the sky and Thalassa, the spirit of the sea, among them. What is Nike the goddess symbol? A Greek would say, "When we go to battle and win, we say it is Nike." According to Greek Mythology, The Nike was the winged goddess of victory. In Greek Mythology, Nike was the Goddess of speed, strength and victory. Nike was an important deity in ancient Greece, and her worship was widespread. He declared that any god that chose to align with him against Kronos would receive his honor and favor. If she was seen with another god, Nike was always wingless. She was often depicted as a beautiful young woman with wings, holding a lyre, wreath and a bowl and cup. Nike, in ancient Greek religion, the goddess of victory, daughter of the giant Pallas and of the infernal River Styx. Stories about the goddess said that she would "swoop" in suddenly. Nike is also associated with speed and agility which perhaps also explains why this Goddess of victory is used as a tradename for a famous brand of sportswear. We've worked with the likes of Ancestry.com, Kingspan and DAA in helping them tell their story. You can call Gaye on (01) 254 1845 to organise yours today. Nike's father, Pallas, was the Titan god that handled warcraft. NIKE (Nic) was the winged goddess of victory--victory both in war and in peaceful competition. What was the goddess Nike known for? "[16] Nike and her siblings achieved these honorable positions by Zeus's side during the Titanomachy. For the swoosh symbol that appears on the side of each Nike shoe, Nike employee Carolyn Davis was paid $35 for the design. Her excellent attributes landed her a position at the right hand of Zeus during the war against the Titans. So Pallas Athena is the representation of the goddess as a warrior and Athena Nike is the goddess victorious. ThoughtCo, Dec. 6, 2021, thoughtco.com/greek-mythology-nike-1525981. Although her wings are lost, the roots of them can still be seen behind her shoulders. Most sculptures of Nike were made from the core of a piece of wood encased in ivory and gold. Famous and global brands such as Rolls-Royce, Honda Motorcycles, U.S. "Nike and Athena Nike. The statue itself was roughly two meters high and was orientated to face the east. She always carried a palm branch in her right hand as a symbol of peace. [12] In contrast to Harrison and Baudrillart's views, E.E. Nike, the winged goddess, was born to the Titan Pallas and the nymph Styx. [57] While neither decrees specified the tenure of her office, Blok proposes that Myrrhine would have likely served for life since that was the tradition for Athenian women serving in cultic offices. I am goddess Nike, the golden blest goddess of Victory, and I welcome you to my website where you will learn about my life & the world I live in. Nikes reward for doing this was that Zeus promised to keep her near him and to protect her forever. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. She sometimes appears carrying a palm branch, wreath, or Hermes staff as the messenger of victory. The staff also granted its holder the ability to move seamlessly to and fro the living world and the underworld. Nike is also portrayed erecting a trophy or, frequently, hovering with outspread wings over the victor in a competition, for her functions referred to success not only in war but in all undertakings. [16] Of the gods, Styx and her children were the first to declare their loyalty to Zeus and as a result Zeus granted her and her children his favor. 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). Her responsibilities are described in the Myrrhine epigram (IG i^3 1330) and include maintaining the sanctuary and its statues. One such example is Pheidias's statue of Zeus at Olympia. We'd love to help you with a free consultation. As proof of the power of Nike, many sports stars maintain they owe their success to Nike shoes. Nike probably did not originally have a separate cult at Athens. Instagram: @GoddessNike23. [28] In both these examples Nike is associated with victory in an athletic competition rather than only a military competition. This decree proposed a plan for a new temple and priestess for Athena Nike. Nike, goddess of accomplishments and the child of Pallas, the Titan, is known for accomplishing victories and her being involved in the Titan War. The small, perfectly formed Temple of Athena Nike, to the right of the Propylaeathe entrance to the Acropolis of Athensis the earliest, Ionic temple on the Acropolis. One is estimated to be 29 feet tall. [13] In another source, Homeric Hymn 8, Ares the God of War is portrayed as the "father of warlike Victory. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); World History Edu 2022. Thirty per cent of sports footwear sales belong to Nike. The straight lines of her garments imply weightiness and the pull of gravity during her gentle descent. According to legend, Nike is the daughter of Pallas, the Titan, and Styx, the ocean goddess (not Styx of the underworld). This symbolizes her readiness to toast to the victor of the battle. Nike (Greek mythology) is the Greek goddess of victory, both in battle and in sport. At Rome, where Nike was called Victoria, she was worshipped from the earliest times. Nike being depicted holding wreath reminds us that as the Goddess of Victory she was always ready to encase a winners neck and shoulders in a garland of victory. [49] As a result of the merging of the two goddesses Athena Nike was worshipped as a goddess of victory in Athens, particularly military victory. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. She was also often seen with a cup or pitcher and a bowl from which a victory toast was consumed. Your email address will not be published. [18] For instance in Pindar Nemean 5, the victorious athlete Euthymenes of Aegina has "twice fallen into the arms of Victory" and achieved fame. [6] At Athens, Nike became a servant to Athena as well as an attribute of her due to the prominent status Athena held in her patron city. That may well be, but shortly after the temple was completed, a parapet wall with a frieze of several winged Nikes was added. 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. Nike has differing origin stories in two ancient texts. Regardless of whether it is 2017 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. Last modified March 16, 2022, Your email address will not be published. Nike Q&A Who was Nike? ", Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license, http://data.perseus.org/citations/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0199.tlg001.perseus-eng1:11, https://www.cs.uky.edu/~raphael/sol/sol-html/, http://data.perseus.org/citations/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0013.tlg008.perseus-eng1:1, File:Zeus Typhon Staatliche Antikensammlungen 596.jpg, http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/textdoc=Ov.+Met.+8.12&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0028, File:Nike of Paionios, Olympia Archaeological Museum (16309967616).jpg, http://www.kansalliskirjasto.fi/fi/search?keyword=yleistieto%20tiedotus%20lehdistokuvat_muistiin_painettua.html#11, https://www.bartleby.com/library/prose/3952.html, File:Temple of Athena Nik from Propylaea, Acropolis, Athens, Greece.jpg, A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, Online version at the Perseus Digital Library, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nike_(mythology)&oldid=1125200148, This page was last edited on 2 December 2022, at 18:49. (1895). Nike was descended from the Titan dynasty of . How does Nike relate to Greek mythology? [39], During the Classical period, statuettes of Nike were often placed in the hands of larger deities. The Romans called her Victoria. Also, Nike has sometimes been linked to the musical instruments Lyre (or Kithara). View complete answer on greekgodsandgoddesses.net. But, by far, her large wings are her greatest attribute. According to a paper by Harrison (as cited in Sikes, 1895) Nike was once a facet of the Greek goddess Athena, who was composed of Boulaia (good council), Ergane (skilled handcraft), and Nike (victory). Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The Romans knew her as Victoria, a name that obviously means "victory", and is still popular today. She is frequently depicted in Greek art as Winged Victory in flight, although she can also be depicted without wings as "Wingless Victory" when she is being portrayed as an attribute of another deity, such as Athena. Her father was the second generation Titan, Pallas, the first Greek god of battle before Ares took the role. Astronomers named the moon after Nikes mother, Styx. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/greek-mythology-nike-1525981. The River Styx was named for Nikes grandfather Tethys. "[17] As a result, Nike is often portrayed in literature in association with Zeus since she holds an honorable position by his side: "Victory in golden Olympus, standing beside Zeus"[18], In Nonnos' Dionysiaca, Nike is described as an emissary of Athena who was sent to aid Zeus in his battle against Typhon. Nike (mythology) Nike Goddess of victory Stone carving of the goddess Nike at the ruins of the ancient [] [54] The final unusual aspect of the decree was that it broke with Athenian tradition by handing over responsibility of the priesthood from the genos to the state. This makes a whole lot of sense, considering the fact that Nike was the bringer of victory, i.e. [23] By assaulting Typhon with fire and ice, Zeus was able to defeat the monster and claim victory over the Titans. Ancient Greeks worshiped Nike because they believed she could make them never to die and was able to grant to humans strength and the speed needed to be victorious in any task they undertook. This statue was made of Thasian marble and showed the goddess standing almost completely straight with a slight lean forwards to indicate Nike's downward and slight forward alighting motion. For example, Michael Jordan is said to have made more money from his Nike endorsements than all of its manufacturing labor force. According to this theory, Nike eventually broke off from Athena to form her own distinct personality. As an attribute of both Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and the chief god, Zeus, Nike was represented in art as a small figure carried [] Their children, the Titans (Prometheus who gave fire to man is probably the most famous) replaced them. "Art as a Trophy: the Nike of Paionios. In Bacchylides Ode 11 she is introduced with the stock epithet "giver of swift gifts"[18] However, Nike is also represented in some sources as the prize in a contest to symbolize victory: " the blossoms of glory-bringing Victory nurture for men golden, conspicuous fame throughout their lives"[30] In this source Nike is portrayed as a garland of flowers to be bestowed upon the victor during the Panhellenic Games. Check out our the goddess nike selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. When Zeus was gathering allies at the start of the Titan War, Styx brought her four children Nike (Victory), Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Cratus Strength) and Bia (Force) into the god's service. [58], Stone carving of the goddess Nike at the ruins of the ancient city of, Sikes, E.E. Nike's right arm is outstretched at an angle while her left arm is bent so that her hand rests upon her upper thigh. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). [4] In Greek literature Nike is described as both an attribute and attendant to the gods Zeus and Athena. Alternatively, you can get in touch here. [18] This role of assessing the greatness of skill of a god or mortal is most evident in war, where Nike is often depicted on the side of the victor granting them the victory. "The Story of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory." On that shield of hers, the goddess inscribed the names of the winners in a battle. Also known as Winged Goddess, Nike is most often pictured as having wings. As times started to . It is unclear whether she originated from a character trait of the Greek goddess Athena or has always existed as an independent deity. Many sculptures of Zeus and/or Athena hold a smaller Nike in their right hand. [8] This lineage is also supported by the Bibliotheca where "Nice, Cratos, Zelos, and Bia" are described as the children of the Titans Pallas and Styx. [29] Typically, Nike is the one who bestows the victor with the prize. Nike, described as Victory, led Zeus into battle as Eris, Strife, led Typhon. [17] For Styx he gave her the honor of being "the great oath of the gods"[17] For her children Zeus granted them his eternal favor by allowing them "to dwell with him for all time. The oldest Nike sculpture known to exist believed to date back to 550 BCE and is located on the Greek island of Delos. She is often depicted with wings, as she is the patron goddess of athletes. This statue of Nike was made of Parian marble and was dedicated to Zeus by the Messenians and Naupaktians around 420 BCE during the Classical period. [42] However, there remains significant debate over whether the cult of Athena Nike in its earlier years had its own priestess, no priestess, or if it shared a priestess with a nearby cult. Her left arm is raised and once held her himation, or outer robe, as it blew out behind her in the wind. [32] The slight overfold of her peplos across the midsection also evokes the sense of a small wind blowing upwards from her soft descent. The statue of Athena that once stood inside it was not winged. If you're attracted to the Greek goddess Nike, you're onto a winner: Nike is the goddess of victory. Baudrillart, in another paper (as cited in Sikes, 1895), shares a similar view that Nike was once a part of Athena and separated from her around the 5th century. [32], As time goes on Nike's legs begin to straighten and her movement becomes a more subtle alighting movement with a slight forward component. Regula, deTraci. Queen Victorias Father, the Duke of Kent, The Boston Massacre: The American Revolution, Staff of Hermes and the golden winged sandals, Pegasus Birth Story, Family, Meaning, Symbols & Powers, 24 Bright Facts about Apollo the Greek Sun God, The Myth of Phaethon and the Sun Gods Chariot. Fragments of Nike's face, forearms, and wings are missing, however, pieces of her wings can still be seen attached to her shoulders. Nike was one of four children of the Titan god of war Pallas, and the Naiad Styx (not to be confused with the river Styx of Hades Underworld ). During this event, she functioned as his chief charioteer. As Eudaimon, I guide the human world with my philosophy, which is summed up by the phrase: May victory nurture you & may defeat nourish you. Several panels of this frieze can be seen in the Acropolis Museum, below the Acropolis. 3/14girls!! The Greek pantheon of gods and goddesses features three waves of leading deities. If this is true it would make the word cognate with Ancient Greek (nekos, "strife") and Lithuanian ap-nikti ("to attack"). Excavations have shown that the sculpture was placed alighting on a flagship, which was set in the ground in such a way that it appeared to float. Nike was the Greek goddess of Victory and one of the extraordinary number of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. And, through her Roman incarnation, she has entered our language as more than the name of a competitive running shoe and an anti-aircraft missile. The distinct Nike personality continued to coexist alongside the Athena Nike personality and became a servant to Athena, or a "Lady of Victory" according to Sikes. Nike allied herself with the Chief Greek God Zeus during the great Titanomachy conflict. victory in all aspects of ones life, not just in war. NIKE (Nic) was the winged goddess of victory-victory both in war and in peaceful competition. (2021, December 6). In keeping with Zeuss 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. Instead, Nike observes victory in any field including musical, athletic, and or military competitions. the god of death. According to Michael Laughy, the priesthood was traditionally controlled by a genos or family clan who selected the next priestess from one of their heirs. [32] The marble statue of Nike, possibly designed by Arkhermos of Chios and found at Delos, dates to around 550 BCE and exemplifies this style of pose. Throughout her history, she has been allied with the most powerful gods in the Greek Pantheon. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nike-Greek-goddess, Ancient Origins - Nike, Greek Goddess of Victory and Zeuss Charioteer of Glory, Nike - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), From Athena to Zeus: Basics of Greek Mythology. Nike has been the symbol used since 1945 by Americas Anti Aircraft Missile System. The latest Tweets from Goddess Nike (@GoddessNike23). According to Greek mythology, Nike was the daughter of the goddess Styx and the titan Pallas; some stories say that she was the daughter of Mars, the god of war. "[26] However, Nike's role of judging excellence is not limited to strictly military prowess. What is Nike in Greek mythology? According to Andrew Stewart the doffed helmet and pomegranate are symbols of assistance, fertility, and peace. She was known to be victorious, quick on her feet, and contained strength unrecognizable by man. She has 3 more siblings; namely, Kratos (strength), Bia (force), and Zelos (Rivalry). She is typically described as either an attendant of the Greek Gods Zeus and Athena or as a facet of their personalities. Nike is often seen with a shield upon which it was said that she inscribed the name of each victor of a battle. If you're attracted to the Greek goddess Nike, you're onto a winner: Nike is the goddess of victory. Her role is almost always as a companion and helper of Zeus or Athena. In Greek Mythology, Nike was the Goddess of speed, strength and victory. According to Pausanias's Description of Greece, the statue of Zeus "holds Victory in ivory and gold" in his right hand and a scepter with an eagle perched atop it in his left hand. The fusion of the two goddesses at Athens has contributed to the ambiguity surrounding Nike's origins. As an attribute of both Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and the chief god, Zeus, Nike was represented in art as a small figure carried in the hand by those divinities. [10], Nike and Athena are both associated with victory, which has resulted in contestation over the origins of Nike. [36] In this statue of Nike from the fifth century the goddess's alighting motion is towards the viewer as opposed to the sideways running motion of earlier statues. The reason why astronomers named it after Styx was because the nymph is typically associated to the River Styx the river that divides the living world from the underworld. According to Laughy, ancestral practice played a key role in how Athenian cultic rituals and sacrifices were performed. [45] He also mentioned the Temple of Athena Nike in Athens: "On the right of the gateway [of the Akropolis in Athens] is a temple of Nike Apteron (Wingless Nike). A portion of the hood ornament on all Rolls-Royce vehicles includes a depiction of Nike. The story begins with a winged champion named Nike. Nike herself is posed atop a globe, which is acting as the base. She sometimes appears carrying a palm branch, wreath, or Hermes ' staff as the messenger of victory. Nike's resilience and determination made her recognizable throughout her time, eventually naming her a Goddess. Nashville, TN Omissions? When she is pictured with the Staff of Hermes, this means that one of Nikes roles was to serve as a messenger from the gods. Nike is believed to have a shield that she carries while hovering about in battles. Her image has been on the medals since 1928. Nike is the Greek goddess of victory, both in regards to war and friendly competition. In fact, in contrast with depictions of earlier winged gods, who could take the form of birds in stories, by the classical period, Nike is unique in having kept hers. Anti-Aircraft Missile System, and the sports equipment maker, Nike, have one way or the other used the name or the symbols of the goddess Nike. According to one story, she is the daughter of Pallas, the Titan god of warcraft who fought on the side of the Olympians, and Styx, a nymph, a daughter of Titans and presiding spirit of the major river of the Underworld. Sikes believed that Nike was always a distinct personality from Athena. Link will appear as Nike: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net - Greek Gods & Goddesses, February 9, 2017, Greek Gods and Goddesses 2010 - 2022 | About | Contact | Sitemap | Privacy. [53] This decree was also significant, according to Josine Blok, because it gave all Athenian women access to influential and prominent cultic roles in the Athenian city-state during a time when Athenian women's freedoms were fairly limited. She is often associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, and Zeus, the king of the Gods. The company Nike, Inc. was named after the goddess. Both Nike statues in Zeus's and Athena's hands were winged. [41] Nike typically appears without wings in Greek sculpture when she is being represented as an attribute of another deity, such as Athena. The goddess is standing with both legs straight and together. During the war with the Titans Zeus called all the gods to Olympus to determine their allegiance. [51] The earliest substantial evidence for a priestess of Athena Nike is provided in a decree named IG i^3 35 passed in the early fifth century by the Athenian Demos. It's considered one of the most erotic carvings on the Acropolis. [33] Richard Neer proposes that this posture with the running stance, wings, and flowing garments were meant to evoke the swift speed of the goddess. Her mother was an Oceanid, a sea nymph, named Styx. Although Pluto is no longer considered a planet by some planetary experts, in 2013 Styx was recognized as a moon of Pluto. All Rights Reserved. When Zeus was gathering allies at the start of the Titan War, Styx brought her four children Nike (Victory), Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Cratus Strength) and Bia (Force) into the god's service. [12] Sikes postulates that the theory that Nike first originated from Athena arose from the confusion of the two goddesses at Athens where Athena Nike and Nike existed alongside each other. She is often seen seated beside Zeus on Mount Olympus. [1] She is often portrayed in Greek art as Winged Victory in the motion of flight;[2] however, she can also appear without wings as "Wingless Victory"[3] when she is being portrayed as an attribute of another deity such as Athena. In an alternative story, recorded by Homer, she is the daughter of Ares, Zeus's son and the Olympian god of war - but the tales of Nike probably predates stories of Ares by millennia. She was the daughter of the Titan Pallas and the goddess Styx, sister of Kratos (power), Bia (Force) and Zelus (zeal). In some Indo-European languages, the name came from Neik which means to attack or to start something strongly. [32] The statue of Nike from the Temple of Neptune at Corfu also implies a gently appearance out of nothing rather than a hurtling from somewhere. 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. Nike had three siblings: Zelos (Zeal), Bia (force), and Cratus . Eudaimon Eudaimon is the Greek expression for 'Good Spirit'. Nikes typical attire in paintings, sculptures and other art media was a flowing gown of gold and wings symbolizing her right to grant victory or to remove it later should the victor not remain worthy. The Nike sports brand logo has an indirect connection with the goddess Nike. [50], The cult of Athena Nike was functioning as early as the beginning of the sixth century. 'victory', ancient: [n. She probably needed them because she is often portrayed flying around battlefields, rewarding victory, glory, and fame by handing out laurel wreaths. Thus, a break in custom to transfer religious authority from the genos to the state was exceptional for Athens during that time as it transformed the cult of Athena Nike into a polis-cult, a cult funded and overseen by the Athenian city-state. DeTraci Regula is a freelance writer who has specialized in Greek travel and tours for 18 years. What is Nike passionate about Greek mythology? 'victory', ancient: [n.k], modern: [ni.ci]) was a goddess who personified victory in any field including art, music, war, and athletics. Honda motorcycles use a symbol of Nike as part of the companys logo. 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. She did have three brothers - Zelos (rivalry),Kratos(strength) and Bia (force). According to Pausanias, this Nike statue was roughly four cubits tall (about seventy-two inches). [38] The statue is made of white marble and is seventy-three centimeters tall. Nike, in ancient Greek religion, the goddess of victory, daughter of the giant Pallas and of the infernal River Styx. Rumor has it she later received an undisclosed amount of stock options as well. Daughter of the titan Pallas and the river Styx, Nike sat at the side of the omnipotent Zeus for the duration of his plight with the titans. What Is Nike The Goddess Of Nike, also known as Victory or Victoria, is the Greek goddess of victory. According to myth, Nike's mother Styx brought her children to Zeus when the god was assembling allies for the battle against the Titans. In the Theogony, she is the daughter of a Titan and an Oceanid. Nike alone was winged. [21] She also mentions the possible repercussions of allowing Typhon to win, which includes the destruction of Olympus and the rape and enslavement Zeus's daughters Athena and Artemis. ", Blok, Josine (2014). Pausanias noted that there was an altar solely to Nike in Olympia next to the altar of Zeus Purifier. When Nike appeared alone, she always had wings and sported a palm branch in her right hand. Nike Daughter of Styx The goddess Nike was the daughter of the second generation Titan Pallas, Pallas was the early Greek god of Battle, and the Oceanid Styx. This is because a victory parade or ceremony can never be complete without some form of singing or dancing. Another very important thing she carried was a wreath, always ready to crown a victor in battle or games of challenge. The swoosh logo reflects the swoop, but the "swoosh" was not an ancient symbol of Nike. [7] Her origin story in Greek mythology is also slightly ambiguous, with the Theogony claiming Nike to be the daughter of Styx and Pallas[8] while the Homeric Hymns describe Ares as being Nike's father. An example if this is in Ovid's Metamorphoses book 8 where the fate of the war between Megara and Crete hung in "suspense; so, Victory day by day between them hovered on uncertain wings. The largest known dwarf planet in Kuiper Belt, Pluto, has a moon called Styx. Updates? [22] During the fighting Nike used her shield to protect Zeus while he fought with his thunderbolts and frigid rain. Her winged, straight, and slightly bent posture evokes the appearance that she is looking down at where to place her feet as she descends. In fact, the ancient city of Nike was named And, through her Roman incarnation, she has entered our language as more than the name of a competitive running shoe and an anti-aircraft missile. As the goddess of victory, she appeared as a winged figure holding a laurel wreath above the heads of those. In fact, it was her mother who took them all to . While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. By the classical period, many of these early gods and goddesses had been reduced to the role of attributes or aspects of the leading gods, much as the pantheon of Hindu gods are symbolic aspects of the main gods. According to this theory, Nike eventually broke off from Athena to form her own distinct personality. In Roman Mythology, Nike was known as Victoria, after Greece fell to the Roman Empire. Headquartered in Oregon, Nike has been the leader in the world of sports equipment and apparel since 1978 and is estimated to employ 44,000 workers around the globe. Regarding death, it is believed that when Nike possessed the Staff of Hermes, she had the ability to resurrect dead people. By now you are probably wondering what all this has to do with Nike. The latter, discovered on Samothrace in 1863 and now in the Louvre Museum, Paris, was probably erected by Rhodians about 190 bce to commemorate a sea battle. Zeus is neither hesitant nor fearful and Nike makes no appearance to encourage or aid Zeus in the fighting.[25]. Everything you need to know about Hades the Greek God of the Underworld. In her speech she mentions all the gods that have given up and fled the battle including Ares, Hermes, Apollo, Aphrodite, and Hephaistos. Nike probably did not originally have a separate cult at Athens. [32], By the mid Classical period and the start of the Hellenistic period, statues of Nike begin to portray her with legs almost completely straight in an alighting pose meant to evoke an appearance out of nothing rather than a hurtling into view. 10 Fast Facts on Athena and Her Parthenon, The Twelve Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology, The Greek Mythology of Clash of the Titans, Hecate: Greece's Dark Goddess of the Crossroads. Her wings are attached to her upper back and her body runs to the side while her head is turned to observe the viewer instead of the place she is running to. By changing Nike's stance, Paionios has relinquished depiction of Nike's swift speed in favor of depicting her in a forward alighting motion that directly engages the viewer. The Greek traveler and geographer Pausanias, writing about 600 years later, called the goddess depicted here Athena Aptera, or wingless. deity god or goddess. [55] According to decree IG i^3 36, she would have received a portion of the sacrifice and a stipend of fifty drachmas[56] paid for by the kolakretai. "A Statuette of Nike From the Collection of John Ruskin. [43] Pausanias in his Description of Greece provides a different interpretation for why Athena Nike is depicted as "Wingless Victory." [12], In Greek mythology Nike, the personification of victory, has two possible origin stories. Statues of her attempt to evoke a sense of flight. [32] In the Archaic period of ancient Greek sculpture Nike often appears in a "kneeling run" pose or "knielaufen" pose with her head turned to the side to look at the viewer as her body swiftly rushes forward. 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