why in the illustrations of the long gone statues, of Zeus (from the temple of Zeus) and of Athena (from the Partenon) show that the statue is holding an angel-like figure holding an olive crown, in one of the statues hands?
Examples:
http://ce.eng.usf.edu/pharos/wonders/Gallery/zeus_color.jpg
http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/dunkle/athnlife/parthnos.jpg
2007-02-03 11:13:14 · 4 answers · asked by Poseidon 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
What does the angel-like figure symbolizes, or why where they placed there.
2007-02-03 11:14:03 · update #1
Maybe this is the work of the Atheneans. The statue you are talking about is godess Nike (victory) and it could be that the people of Athens placed the statue of Nike in both temples, which were situated in the old centre of the city so as to pride over their victory upon the Spartans. For the same reason there was a whole temple which was situated on the Acropolis dedicated to godess Nike, only she was wingless(her wings were cut) so that she would never fly away from Athens. Ofcourse there could be another explanation very simple. Godess Athena was the protector of the city, according to mythology she would protect the citizens (that chose her and not Poseidon when the city was first built to be the "poliouchos"
which means city holder) from enemies and would make sure that her believers would achieve victory when in war. That's why she is characterized as the god of victory for the Atheneans and is often confused with Nike and it is probably why Fedias made her hold godess Nike in her hand. As for Zeus he was the father of all gods, he was almighty, the most powerfull of them all and he was often called savior victorius Zeus. When in war if any god could help one city achieve victory it would probably be him, that's why citizens of various cities would pray to him the savior and victorius so as to win a battle.It was actually a saying while the troops were gathering "Zeus Sotir and Nike". As for the olive crown, the olive tree was the symbol of the city. Athena offered an olive tree and Poseidon offered water when they asked the people of Athens to choose one of them as the protector of the city. Later on the olive crown became a symbol of victory that's why it was offered to the winners of the Olympic games as a prize! That why godess Nike hold one to symbolize victory.
2007-02-04 08:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by NikGeo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The figure is Nike (known in Roman mythology as Victoria). She was a companion of Athena. I'm not sure why she's with Zeus though.
2007-02-03 11:58:44 · answer #2 · answered by Flutterburger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG, you're right! To think I've been blind to the truth for so long! Now I can accept Zeus and know that I'm saved from spending eternity in Hades!
2016-05-24 00:41:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Angel-like figure is the Goddess Nike... the Goddess of Victory
I'm not sure why she is there though
2007-02-03 11:21:46 · answer #4 · answered by delusionalenigma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋