Nike is commonly depicted as a small winged female figure being held in the hands of primordial God such as Zeus or Athena. In fact, one of the most famous portrayals of Nike is in the hand of Athena located inside the Parthenon. This winged Goddess represents victory over strife not just for combat or war but in athletics and personal triumph as well. Athletes, warriors, and common folk all called upon the energy of Nike when needed so that they could continue on with their own journeys.
There are mixed mythologies regarding the specific origin of the Goddess of victory. Some say that she is the daughter of Pallas (Titan) and Styx (Water) while others say that she is the sister of Kratos (Strength), Zelus (Zeal), and Bia (Force). It is also believed that she was brought to Zeus while he was assembling the Gods in the fight against the Titans. She became first largely associated with Zeus as supreme deity of the Olympian Gods then she became closely related with Athena the Goddess of war and knowledge. Later, she became depicted as a charioteer who flew over battlefields rewarding the victors with fame and glory.
Today Nike is still worshipped and recognized throughout different parts of Greece where the ways of the ‘old religion’ still exist. As well as in many other parts around the world such as Australia and the United States where Greeks have migrated but still accept Hellenic Polytheistic traditional customs. Other cultures too have a symbol and personification that represents the energy and idea of victory over strife. The Romans for example took the same personification of Nike and named her Victoria who also was Goddess of victory but protected the Senate. She was also depicted on coins in Rome and was widely worshipped by chariot racers and Gladiators alike.
Sources:
“Nike.” Encyclopedia Britannica