Friday 29 July 2011

London Olympics Medal - Nike the Goddess

The 2012 London Olympics logo which have been criticized by Iran

The more you know, the more you don't know. True. I never learn about Greek mythology and I've haven't really read about news surrounding the Olympic Games. There are numerous Greek mythology figures, which is unfamiliar to me, except for those which are famous; Zeus, Poseidon, Athena etc. But a particular Greek goddess, unknowingly, is very familiar to me. The goddess referred to here is Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory. I've been using Nike's sports apparel for decades and this piece of information have successfully dodge me.


The medal that would be presented to the victorious at the London Olympics 2012 have been unveiled. The designer of the medal is British artist David Watkins. This is the news which introduced me to the existence of the goddess Nike.


Photograph: LOCOG
 
A little bit about Nike. She would be 'summoned' by people in ancient Greece to assist them to be victorious in everything from athletic contests to business and politics. She is called Victoria by the Roman people. Nike is seen as a beautiful athletic winged woman, usually holding a laurel and a palm branch. 

Nike was very much connected to the Olympics. Legend have it that Zeus would send her to earth to crown the victors of the games. There is a statue of Nike in the Museum of Olympia. Her presence in the Olympic games could still be felt until today. From the year1896 to 2002, Nike has featured on one side of the medal giving to winning athletes.

Past medal which featured Nike

Here is the mascot for the 2012 London Olympics with the details :

Whats disturbing about the mascot is that it is one eyed
Click to enlarge for details

Nike siblings includes Kratos. Kratos is a character not very familiar to those with little knowledge of Greek mythology. However he was made famous by a PS exclusive title.

Artist impression of Kratos from "god of war"

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