N is for Goddess Nike - Pagan Blog Project

This week, due to some time constraints, work reports and other projects, I am doing a short (very short) piece on the Goddess Nike.

Nike is the Greek Goddess of Victory. She is the daughter of Pallas and Styx and often associated with Athena. She is a winged Goddess who helps guide the horses of conquering heroes and is a fast runner, swift flyer and a charioteer.

During the War of the Titans, Nike was the personal Charioteer to the Gods and even though her father is a Titan, she fought against the Titans with the Olympians.

Nike has several symbols associated with her: The shield - where she wrote the names of the victors in battle, her wings - which are a symbol of her speed and her ability for flight, the Laurel Wreath – which was given to the victor in athletic competitions and the Palm Branch – which is a symbol of victory and triumph.

Lastly, the founder of the Nike company used her name due to its association with victory in athletics!

Sources:

http://www.talesbeyondbelief.com/greek-gods/nike.htm (Picture is from this site - linked above as well)

http://www.gods-and-monsters.com/nike-greek-mythology.html

http://www.goddess-guide.com/nike.html

http://gogreece.about.com/od/greekmythology/a/mythnike.htm

http://www.getty.edu/education/kids_families/do_at_home/artscoops/winged_goddess.html

http://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Nike.html

http://goddessnike.com/nike_goddess_of_victory.php