NIKE, Goddess of Victory

Nike, her name means Victory, personified triumph within ancient Greek culture. She is the goddess of victory, strength and speed. A companion to Athena, ancient statuary sometimes depicts them together. Nike is one of the most commonly portrayed figures on Greek coins.

Depending upon the time of various myths, she was described as the daughter of Pallas (Titan) and the river Styx (Water), and the sister of Cratos (Strength), Bia (Force), and of Zelus (Rivalry). Nike and her siblings were attendants of Zeus when he gained the position of the dominant deity of the Greek pantheon. The roles of older deities were changed in new myths.

According to classical myth, Styx brought them to Zeus when the god was assembling allies for the war between the Titans and the Olympians. Nike assumed the role of the divine charioteer, a role in which she is often portrayed in Classical Greek art. Her participation in battle made her a symbol of victory in many areas of ancient Greece, including the military, athletics and other contests.

Nike is seen with wings in most statues and paintings. Most other winged deities in the Greek pantheon had shed their wings by Classical times. The Athenians dedicated a statue to Nike at Delphi and the statue of Zeus at Olympia reportedly depicted Nike as well. An original sculpture of Nike of Samothrace is permanently stored at the Louvre museum, Paris.

cold cast bronze

Approximate size: 7" tall (17.5cm) x 12" wide (30cm)