Nike (mythology)
Nike and her siblings were close companions of Zeus, the dominant deity of the Greek pantheon. According to classical (later) myth, Styx brought them to Zeus when the god was assembling allies for the Titanomachy against the older deities. Nike assumed the role of the divine charioteer, a role in which she often is portrayed in Classical Greek art. Nike flew around battlefields rewarding the victors with glory and fame, symbolized by a wreath of laurel leaves (bay leaves).
Nike is seen with wings in most statues and paintings, with one of the most famous being the "Winged Victory of Samothrace". Most other winged deities in the Greek pantheon had shed their wings by Classical times. Nike is the goddess of strength, speed, and victory. Nike was a very close acquaintance of Athena, and is thought to have stood in Athena's outstretched hand in the statue of Athena located in the Parthenon. Nike is also one of the most commonly portrayed figures on Greek coins. After victory at the Battle of Marathon, Athenians erected the Nike of Callimachus.
Kratos (God of War)
Throughout the Greek era of the series, Kratos embarks on several adventures in attempts to avert disaster or to change his fate. He is usually portrayed as being oblivious to all else and arrogant in nature. He often engages in morally ambiguous activities and performs acts of extreme violence. A Spartan warrior, he became the "Ghost of Sparta" after accidentally killing his family due to Ares' trickery. He later avenges the death of his family and becomes the God of War after killing Ares. Kratos is eventually revealed to be a demigod and the son of Zeus, although Zeus later betrays him. Vengeance is a central theme of the Greek era, and each installment provides additional information about Kratos' origins and his relationships with his family and the Olympian gods. In the Norse era of the series, Kratos takes a turn for the good and finds himself controlling his rage and learning how to truly be a father to his new son, Atreus. Along their journey, they combat monsters and gods of the Norse realm, of whom they make an enemy.