Nike

The Origins and History of the Greek Goddess of Victory

Andrew Scott & Charles River

It is often presumed the purpose of these 'abstract concept' deities was merely to give names to the myriad mysteries of the world. Harmonia, Phobos (fear), Hypnos (sleep), and of course, Thanatos (death) are characters whose names, not unlike that of Nike, make no attempt at veiling their roles in the cosmos. Unlike these other deities, however, Nike's role in ancient Greek thought is much more practical. She was invoked by warriors and bards, not in the same sense as a modern-day person hoping for victory might, but rather in a more conversational, interpersonal sense. She was often propitiated in extreme ways - as in the case of the "Wingless Nike" of Athens - and she was thanked, as any other deity would be.

Nike chose the person upon whom she would bestow victory, and she was an active participant of the activities of life, both real and mythic...