Lightning Bolts and Logos: How Greek Myths Became Brands

Lightning Bolts and Logos: How Greek Myths Became Brands

The first appearance of Greek Mythology was about 2,700 years ago, but it is far from ancient history. The stories of Zeus, Hera, Athena, Odysseus, Heracles, and many more, have brought joy and entertainment to many people worldwide. These stories are most certainly living on in today's world without us even realizing it.

Nike - The Story Behind the Swoosh

One of the most popular brands worldwide, well-known for shoes, is named after the Goddess of Victory. The Goddess of Victory, Nike, is often depicted with wings and a wreath, symbols of triumph. She came to be represented as "a mediator of success between gods and men" (History.com Editors). This famous brand has brought the Goddess of Victory to sports and daily life everywhere. So the next time you see someone tying their Nike sneakers, remember the piece of the Ancient world in every step.

Amazon - More than a Shopping Site

Before Amazon's online shopping, the name belonged to a fierce female warrior tribe in Ancient Greece. This tribe was known for its courage and riding skills. While Jeff Bezos has stated that the name came from the Amazon River, there is certainly a piece of the ancient world in each delivery.

"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" - An Ancient Adventure

The Percy Jackson series is widely popular among all age groups. The series is about Percy, an ordinary tween, until discovering his true identity, the son of Poseidon. His journey through finding Zeus's missing lightning bolt with his new friends was an amazing adventure immersed in Greek mythological culture.

"Hercules" - The Strongest Myth

The Disney movie, "Hercules," was inspired by the Greek god, Heracles. "Hercules" is a movie about the son of Zeus and Hera, who is bound to a normal life on Earth. However, the adaptation of the film was significantly different from the original myth. Some key differences in the original myth were that Heracles's parents were Zeus and Alcmene (a mortal), Hera was the villain, and Heracles performs tasks as a punishment, as opposed to performing them to regain his godhood.

NASA - From the Ancient World to Outer Space

NASA has had several Apollo missions over the years such as Apollo 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. These missions were designed to take astronauts to the Moon. Similarly, the Artemis program has a mission to establish a long-term presence on the Moon. Apollo is the Greek god of music, poetry, light, healing, prophecy, and archery. His twin sister, Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, and childbirth. In the world of space exploration, the two siblings have inspired the names of popular space adventures.

The world of Ancient Greece may seem far in the past, when in reality it is all around us. Some of the most famous corporations, movies, and missions have taken inspiration from this world, sharing these unique myths in new and exciting ways. So the next time you shop from Nike or Amazon, watch "Percy Jackson" or "Hercules," or watch a shuttle launch from NASA, remember the piece of Greek Mythology taking flight.

Sources:

History.com Editors. “Greek Mythology: Gods, Goddesses & Legends | HISTORY.” HISTORY, 2 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/articles/greek-mythology.

Kuiper, Kathleen. “Amazon | Greek Mythology & Facts.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 14 Mar. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/Amazon-Greek-mythology.