The Story of Ajax the Lesser
Ajax the Lesser was the son of Oileus, king of Locris, and led the Locrians to the Trojan War. He was called the Lesser to set him apart from the giant Ajax, son of Telamon, beside whom he often fought. He was small and lightly armed, but he was the fastest runner among the Greeks after Achilles and a deadly spearman.
Ajax was also known for his arrogance. During the sack of Troy, the princess Cassandra clung to a statue of Athena in the goddess's temple, and Ajax dragged her away by force, so that the statue itself was said to have turned its eyes away. The Greeks failed to punish him, and Athena turned her anger on the whole fleet as it sailed home.
Ajax survived the storm that wrecked his ship and climbed onto a rock, boasting that he had escaped despite the gods. Poseidon split the rock with his trident, and Ajax drowned. For centuries afterward, the Locrians were said to send young women to serve in Athena's temple at Troy to make up for his crime.
Famous Myths About Ajax the Lesser
The Crime Against Cassandra
During the sack of Troy, the princess Cassandra clung to a statue of Athena in the goddess's temple. Ajax the Lesser dragged her away by force, an outrage that the Greeks failed to punish.
Death at Sea
Athena took revenge by sending a storm against the Greek fleet as it sailed home. Ajax survived the wreck and boasted that he had escaped despite the gods, so Poseidon split the rock he clung to and he drowned.
Ajax the Lesser's Family Tree
Parents of Ajax the Lesser
Partners of Ajax the Lesser
Children of Ajax the Lesser
Frequently Asked Questions About Ajax the Lesser
Who was Ajax the Lesser in Greek mythology?
Ajax the Lesser was the leader of the Locrians in the Trojan War, known for his speed and his skill with the spear. He was smaller than Ajax the Great, which is how he got his name.
Who was Ajax the Lesser's father?
His father was Oileus, king of Locris, which is why he is sometimes called Ajax, son of Oileus.
What crime did Ajax the Lesser commit at Troy?
During the sack of Troy, Ajax dragged the princess Cassandra away from the statue of Athena where she had taken refuge. The insult brought Athena's anger down on the Greek fleet.
How did Ajax the Lesser die?
On the voyage home, his ship was wrecked, but he reached a rock and boasted that he had escaped the sea in spite of the gods. Poseidon split the rock with his trident and Ajax drowned.
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