Nike

In Greek mythology and ancient religion, Nike (Ancient Greek: Νίκη, meaning 'Victory') embodied victory in battle and other competitive pursuits. According to Hesiod's Theogony, she was born to the Titan Pallas and Styx, sharing divine lineage with her siblings Zelus, Kratos, and Bia (Rivalry, Strength, and Force).

Greek art typically portrays Nike as "Winged Victory" in flight, though she sometimes appears without wings as "Wingless Victory" when depicted as an attribute of another deity like Athena.

Greek literature describes Nike as both an attribute and attendant to Zeus and Athena. She earned her esteemed position beside Zeus during the Titanomachy by being among the first deities to pledge allegiance to him. In Athens, Nike served as both attendant and attribute to Athena, reflecting the goddess's prominence in her patron city. This close association has created uncertainty about Nike's origins—whether she developed from a character trait of Athena or always existed independently. In Roman mythology, she corresponds to the goddess Victoria.