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Nike (mythology)

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Abode
  
Mount Olympus

Siblings
  
Kratos, Bia, Zelus

Parents
  
Pallas and Styx

Roman equivalent
  
Victoria

Nike (mythology)

Symbol
  
golden sandals, wings, wreaths

In ancient Greek religion, Nike (/ˈnaɪki/; Greek: Νίκη, "Victory", [nǐːkɛː]) was a goddess who personified victory. Her Roman equivalent was Victoria. She was variously described as the daughter of the Titan Pallas and the goddess Styx, and the sister of Kratos (Strength), Bia (Force), and Zelus (Zeal).

Contents

Etymology

The word νίκη nikē is of uncertain etymology. R. S. P. Beekes has suggested a Pre-Greek origin.

Contemporary usage

  • The sports equipment company Nike, Inc. is named after the Greek goddess Nike.
  • Project Nike, an American anti-aircraft missile system is named after the goddess Nike.
  • A figure of Nike with a vessel was the design of the first FIFA World Cup trophy, known also as the Jules Rimet trophy.
  • Since Giuseppe Cassioli's design for the 1928 Summer Olympics, the obverse face of every Olympic medal bears Nike's figure holding a palm frond in her right hand and a winner's laurel crown in her left.
  • The goddess appears on the emblem of the University of Melbourne.
  • Spirit of Ecstasy, the hood ornament used by the automobile manufacturer Rolls-Royce was inspired by Nike.
  • The Titanic Engineers' Memorial, Southampton depicts Nike blessing the engineers of the RMS Titanic for staying at their post as the ship sank.
  • The Honda motorcycle company's logo is inspired by the goddess Nike.

    • References

    Nike (mythology) Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA