Nike of Melos

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

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According to Hesiod's Theogonia Nike was the daughter of Pallas, a Titan, and the river Styx. Her various sisters and brothers include: Kratos (Strength), Zelos (Zeal, Rivalry) and Bia (Force). Despite being the children of a Titan, these siblings fought alongside the Olympian gods against the Titans and were, as a result later honored.

This image might be of the Nike from Delos, currently in the Athens National Museum and created around 550 BCE. Early depictions of Nike, like this one, tended to show her wingless. Later, during the Classical period, she not only appeared with wings but also other accoutrements of victory like the garland.

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