The Nike Essay -- Greek Greece Symbolism History Athletics Essays

The Nike A Greek would say, "When we go to battle and win, we say it is Nike." According to Greek Mythology, The Nike was the winged goddess of victory. Daughter of the titan Pallas and the river Styx, Nike sat at the side of the omnipotent Zeus for the duration of his plight with the titans. The goddess Nike came to be an everlasting symbol of victory and dominance on the battlefields of ancient Greece. In light of her conquests, a popular footwear company of the 20th century designed products in her name to push new levels of achievement in athletes worldwide. The Swoosh logo at the side of each shoe is intended to represent the wing of the Greek Goddess Nike. The vibrant spirit of this ancient goddess has bridged the gap between ancient mythology and modern technology, and manifested itself through the most successful shoe company of all time. The Nike of Samothrace captures the essence of the goddess in a dramatic pose. Her body leans forward as her robust wings heave upwards, creating a magnificent balance and sense of motion. Recovered in the Sanctuary of the Great Gods by a French explorer in 1863, the statue stands 8 feet tall. The deep lines and contrasting textures of the feathers, fabric, and skin allude to the elegance of past Greek style. Of all similar remains from ancient Greek art, this famous Hellenistic sculpture best reflects the sense of pride, honor, and victory associated with the goddess. The Swoosh logo was created by Caroline Davidson in 1971. Davidson was asked by Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, to create a logo that could be placed on the side of the shoe. She gave him the Swoosh, and he in return gave her $35.00. When the Swoosh is inverted and placed next to the wing of The Nike of Samoth... ...oddess of victory, a company of highest ideal was born. As depicted in The Nike of Samothorace and Nike Adjusting Her Sandal, honor and achievement were of highest importance to the Ancient Greeks. The victory Nike brought the Greeks in the war with the titans is analogous to the victories our athletes bring us in the Olympic games. The vibrant spirit of the ancient goddess has bridged the gap between centuries, and proved itself as the paramount shoe company. The Nike Swoosh embodies the vitality of the winged goddess who brought inspiration to the most courageous and chivalrous warriors at the dawn of civilization . Bibliography Stokstad, Marilyn, Volume One Art History. Prentice Hall, and Harry Abrams Inc., 1995. The History of Nike, http://www-personal.engin.edu/~jhwiii/nikehist.html alt.culture:Nike, http://www.altculture.com/site/entries/nike.html