The Story of Ajax the Great
Ajax the Great was the son of Telamon, king of the island of Salamis, and a cousin of Achilles. Before he was born, Heracles prayed that his friend Telamon would have a brave son, and an eagle appeared as a sign from Zeus. The boy was named Ajax in honor of the eagle.
Ajax was a giant of a man, second only to Achilles among the Greeks at Troy. He carried a huge shield made of seven layers of oxhide, covered with bronze, that he could hold like a wall in front of his comrades. When he fought Hector in single combat, neither man could win, and they parted with honor, exchanging a sword and a belt.
Ajax was a man of few words, but steady and dependable. He joined Odysseus and Phoenix in the embassy that begged Achilles to return to the war, speaking bluntly about the duty owed to comrades. When the Trojans reached the Greek ships, Ajax stood on the decks and held them back almost alone, and after Achilles fell, he carried the hero's body from the battlefield while Odysseus fought off the Trojans.
After Achilles' death, Ajax and Odysseus both claimed his divine armor, and it was awarded to Odysseus. Ajax was so humiliated that he planned to kill the Greek leaders, but Athena struck him with madness, and he slaughtered a flock of sheep and cattle instead. When he came to his senses and saw what he had done, he fell on the sword that Hector had given him, a story told in Sophocles' tragedy Ajax.
In the Odyssey, when Odysseus meets the ghost of Ajax in the underworld, Ajax silently turns away, still angry about the armor. Some tellings say a hyacinth flower sprang from his blood, its petals marked with the first letters of his name. He was worshipped as a hero on Salamis, and the Athenians honored him as the founder of one of their tribes.
Famous Myths About Ajax the Great
The Duel with Hector
Chosen by lot to face Hector in single combat, Ajax fought the Trojan champion until darkness fell, with neither able to win. The two warriors parted with honor and exchanged gifts as a sign of mutual respect.
Defending the Ships
When the Trojans broke through to the Greek camp and tried to burn the ships, Ajax stood on the decks and drove back attacker after attacker with his long pike. He held on almost alone until he was finally forced to give ground.
The Contest for the Armor
After Achilles died, Ajax and Odysseus both claimed his divine armor, and it was awarded to Odysseus. Ajax was so humiliated that he went mad and slaughtered a flock of sheep, thinking they were the Greek leaders, and when he came to his senses he fell on his own sword.
Ajax the Great's Family Tree
Parents of Ajax the Great
Partners of Ajax the Great
Children of Ajax the Great
Frequently Asked Questions About Ajax the Great
Who was Ajax the Great in Greek mythology?
Ajax the Great was one of the strongest Greek warriors at Troy, second only to Achilles. He was famous for his huge tower shield and his steady defense of the Greek ships.
Who were Ajax the Great's parents?
Ajax was the son of King Telamon of Salamis and Periboea, which also made him a cousin of Achilles.
Why is he called Ajax the Great?
He is called Ajax the Great to set him apart from Ajax the Lesser of Locris, a smaller man who also fought at Troy.
How did Ajax the Great die?
After Achilles died, his armor was awarded to Odysseus instead of Ajax. Driven mad by the insult, Ajax slaughtered a flock of sheep believing they were the Greek leaders, then took his own life with his sword.
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