Nike is the personification and Olympian goddess of victory in Greek Mythology.
Genealogy and Family[]
Nike is the daughter of the river goddess, Styx and the Titan of battle and warcraft, Pallas (not to be confused with Athena's childhood friend-Pallas). Her sister is Bia, the goddess of force, power and might and brothers are Kratos, the god of strength and Zelus, the god of zeal. She is also the sister of the Lacus (Lakes) and the Fontes (Fountains). Nike was never recorded as marrying nor having children in the accounts.
Role and Significance[]
Nike is the goddess of victory, both in war and peaceful competition, she was often depicted in Greek art as Winged Victory in the motion of flight, however, she can also appear without wings as "Wingless Victory" when she is being portrayed as an attribute of another deity such as Athena. In Greek literature Nike is described as both an attribute and attendant to the gods Zeus, Athena, Ares and Themis.
While Nike was often included in the cults of other gods, particularly Zeus and Athena, very few sanctuaries were dedicated solely to her. Pausanias noted that there was an altar solely to Nike in Olympia next to the altar of Zeus Purifier. 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)." In Athens, Nike was often honoured alongside Athena or as an attribute of Athena, where she was called Athena Nike.
Story[]
When Zeus and his siblings were looking for allies at the start of The Titan Wars, Styx brought her four children Nike (Victory), Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Strength) and Bia (Force) into the god's service. Nike was appointed his charioteer and together the four became sentinels of Zeus' throne. Nike with Bia also accompanies Athena into all her wars.
Appearance[]
Nike is depicted as a winged woman, in ancient Greek vase painting she was portrayed with a variety of attributes including a wreath or sash to crown a victor, an oinochoe and phiale (bowl and cup) for libations, a thymiaterion (incense burner), an altar, and a lyre for the celebration of victory in song. In scenes of the War of the Giants she appears as the charioteer of Zeus. In mosaic art and coins Nike is often shown holding a palm branch as a symbol of victory. With Athena, she is usually depicted as a very small goddess standing in Athena's hand.
Personality[]
Symbols[]
Nike's symbols are wings, golden sandals, wreaths, a sash, the lyre, an oinochoe, a phiale and a palm branch. Her sacred plants are the palm and laurel trees.
Titles and Epithets[]
A cult epithet of Nike was Apteros meaning "wingless". Her poetic epithets included Makaira meaning "blessed", Eusphyros meaning "beautiful ankled" and Agurea meaning "silver". She was also called Tanysipteros meaning "long-winged", Kallinikos meaning "gloriously triumphant" and Anarbylos meaning "bare-footed".
Powers and Abilities[]
Immortality, Perfect Health and Eternal Youth- As a goddess Nike is immortal and can never grow old or die, Nike also never needs to sleep and is immune to any disorders and diseases other species may experience, having perfect health too.
Flight- With her wings, Nike can levitate herself up and also travel long distances above ground.
Combat- As a soldier, the goddess is a skilled combatant, she can fight hand to hand combat and also use a range of weapons.
Relationships[]
Styx- Styx is Nike's mother, she took Nike, Kratus, Zelus and Bia to Zeus and the Olympians, whom they allied to and fought with in Titan Wars against Cronus and his allies. They overall seem to have a normal, healthy, trusting and loving relationship as mother and daughter. Styx seemingly takes much pride in Nike for her works and position.
Pallas- Pallas, the Titan of Warcraft is Nike's father, not much is known about their relationship.
Bia- Nike is the closest friend of her sister, Bia. They always accompany each other into war.
Zeus- Zeus is the leader of the Olympian gods and Nike's superior, after she allied to and helped him in The Titan Wars alongside her siblings, she became Zeus' charioteer and a sentinel to his throne. Nike supports Zeus and is very loyal to him and he put a lot of trust in her. The two are seemingly friends.
Athena- Athena is a close friend of Nike and her comrade, Nike accompanies Athena into all her wars to ensure her success.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
Nike, the shoe brand, is named after her.
Nike's official Greek name is Νικη, it literally means 'victory'.
Her Roman equivalent is called Victoria.