Greek Mythology >> Greek Gods >> Daemones (Spirits) >> Alke

ALKE

Greek Name

Αλκη

Transliteration

Alkê

Latin Spelling

Alce

Translation

Battle-Strength (alkê)

ALKE was the personification (daimona) of battle-strength, prowess and courage. She was one of the spirits of the aigis (aegis)--the tasselled arm-guard of Zeus--, the others being Eris (Strife), Phobos (Terror) and Ioke (Onslaught).

Alke was probably numbered amongst the battle-spirits known as Makhai (Machae).

PARENTS

Perhaps a daughter of ERIS, though nowhere stated

CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES

Homer, Iliad 5. 738 ff (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) :
"Across her [Athena's] shoulders she threw the betasselled, terrible aigis (aegis), all about which Phobos (Terror) hangs like a garland, and Eris (Hatred) is there, and Alke (Battle-Strength), and heart-freezing Ioke (Onslaught) and thereon is set the head of the grim gigantic Gorgo (Gorgon), a thing of fear and horror, portent of Zeus of the aigis." [N.B. The daimones (spirits) imbued the aigis with its power.]