In modern society, it’s easy to see the influence that monotheistic religion has on so many areas of our lives, but what about the subtle nods to the old gods and goddesses hidden in household brands we use on a regular basis?
While I often love seeing iconography that remembers the old gods, I’m often also left with a great deal of skepticism relating to just how much of the brand uses their imagery to exploit the power of these divine beings versus venerating them.
Here are some modern nods to the gods—I’ll let you be the judge of whether you think the brand honors the image of the deity they’re paying tribute to or not.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Ever noticed the little winged shoe in the Goodyear logo? Goodyear's iconic logo, the Wingfoot, is inspired by the winged foot of the Roman god Mercury (or Hermes in Greek mythology), chosen by company founder Frank Seiberling to represent speed and swiftness. Something that makes sense in the context of vehicular travel and quick car service at their shops.
Venus by Gillette
Razors to help people feel their best and embrace their sleek, smooth, feminine side? That’s what the brand Venus by Gillette provides. Beyond a mere icon, the name actually is that of the ancient Roman goddess Venus.
Dove
Pulling in one of the iconic symbols of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the Dove brand embraces all things self-love from soaps to lotions and everything in between.
NIKE, Inc.
Shoes, apparel, and more all under the name of the Greek goddess Nike, who personified victory in battles and contests. Quite fitting for products often used in competitive sports.
Pandora Jewelry
Charm bracelets and jewelry that can be customized with endless possibilities to express your true self? That’s what Pandora the brand offers in a direct named tribute to the Greek woman Pandora (not technically a goddess by most accounts), who was known for opening a box of endless possibilities, including horrors and tragedies, but all in the name of giving people hope and potential.
Pandora: Music & Podcasts
Endless music station and playlist options to embrace your vibe on any given day? That’s what Pandora the music app offers, and just like Pandora, the jewelry store, it is directly named after the Greek Pandora as well.
Subaru Corporation
If you’ve never taken the time to look at the starry logo on the back of each vehicle, it’s worth checking out as it’s meant to symbolize the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, who were companions to the Greek goddess Artemis. The word Subaru is the Japanese name for the Seven Sisters constellation in the night sky, which typically only has six of the seven stars visible to the naked human eye and this is reflected in the Subaru logo as well.
Gianni Versace S.r.l.
Gianni Versace, the founder of the brand, chose the face of the Greek gorgon and goddess Medusa as the logo because he believed it represented a bold and powerful image that would embody his designs and the brand's identity.
Of course, there are dozens of other brands who subtly pay tribute to the old gods and goddesses, and many more who I’m sure use their iconography without even realizing its significance beyond mere mythology and history.
What do you think? Do these brands mean well and accomplish paying their respects to the old gods and goddesses? Or does their corporate greed stand in the way of that?