letspowerup3103-blog

[letspowerup3103-blog]

Greek Mythology on Company Logos

DISCLAIMER: This is for educational purposes. This is made by Philippine students for their assignment. Thank you. 

     We all know that Greek mythology is famous for its unique myths. In Greek mythology, there is no single original text like the Christian Bible or the Hindu Vedas that introduces all of the myths’ characters and stories. Instead, the earliest Greek myths were part of an oral tradition that began in the Bronze Age, and their plots and themes unfolded gradually in the written literature of the archaic and classical periods. 

     Today, many has been inspired by it. From books (for example, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series) to movies (for example, Troy(2004)). But it did not end there. Greek mythology, as our title suggests, also inspired companies to use symbols of the Greek gods and goddesses for their logos. In this blog, we’re going to mention some companies that use Greek mythology for their logos and how did they relate Greek mythology to their logo.

1. Dove 

Dove emphasizes that beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. Since the company might be thinking of boosting one’s beauty, they used dove as their symbol because it also is the symbol of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. 

2. Nike

Nike is known for its athletic apparel and footwear. Its logo uses the symbol of Nike, the goddess of victory. In what way, you may ask? The Nike logo has a simple ‘swoosh’ design and that ‘swoosh’ is derived from the wings of Nike herself. The company conveys the message of victory through sports or through everyday living.

3. Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the best in manufacturing tires. The logo design shows a ‘winged shoe’ in the center.  The ‘winged shoe’ is a symbol of Hermes, the messenger god. He was extremely fast for delivering messages from Gods to other Gods or mortals. The idea of using Hermes’ symbol for their brand is appropriate for the company because they want to convey that their tires are best for speed and reliability. 

4. Versace

Versace is an Italian fashion brand. Its logo is based from Medusa, a Gorgon — a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of her hair. It is believed that whoever falls in love with her, cannot flee from her. And this is what Versace is conveying. Versace gives out the message that whenever a person likes Versace, that person cannot easily dislike it. 

5. Starbucks

Starbucks are one of the most famous coffee chains. The logo depicts a Twin Tailed Siren from Greek mythology. The twin tail sirens, according to Greek mythology, are known for their beauty and harmonious music which lures seamen and sailors into their deaths. How come a dangerous sea creature be related to a coffee brand, you may ask? Well, Starbucks want people to know that their coffee is of high quality and that they’re going to love it which can lead to obsession. 

6. Gatorade

Gatorade is an American manufacturer of sports-themed beverages. In its logo. there is a lightning bolt. Its logo is a reference to Zeus, the god of sky and thunder. Gatorade persuades people that their beverages are none like other and boosts our energy that makes us dominant in sports.

7. NBC

NBC or the National Broadcasting Company is an American English language commercial broadcast television network. They use the logo of a peacock which is the symbol for Hera, goddess of women, marriage, family and childbirth. In Greek mythology, it is said Hera, who was the wife of Zeus, had 100 eyes, which were then translated to peacock’s feathers. Since the company is a broadcasting service, it is appropriate for the brand.

8. Pandora

Actually, there are a lot of companies who are named after Pandora, the first ever human woman created by the gods, specifically by Hephaestus and Athena on the instructions of Zeus. It is said that Pandora opened the box that all the evils of the world were released into the world. The only thing remaining the box was hope.  Since hope is the message behind this name, the companies want to send this message of positivity in life to target customers.

9. Hydra Markets 

Hydra Markets is an STP broker company.  The company logo has a three-head serpent-like monster, which was called the Lernaean Hydra in Greek mythology.  The myth says that the serpent Hydra had nine heads, and if one head was cut, two more grew in its place. The company want to convey the message that, like the Lernaean Hydra, the company will grow in any adverse condition.

10. Mercury Drug

Mercury Drug is the leading trusted and caring drugstore in the Philippines. Mariano Que, who is the founder of Mercury Drug, named it after Mercury, the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology. Mercury is the Roman equivalent of Hermes, who is also the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology.  The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology. It is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. In Roman iconography, it was often depicted being carried in the left hand of Mercury, the messenger of the gods, guide of the dead, and protector of merchants, shepherds, gamblers, liars, and thieves.

References:  1.  https://www.designhill.com/design-blog/popular-logo-symbols-and-their-shocking-mythological-stories/ 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Drug 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus