The Story of Telamon
Telamon was a son of Aeacus, king of Aegina, and a brother of Peleus. After the two brothers killed their half brother Phocus, they were banished. Telamon settled on the island of Salamis, married the daughter of its king, and later became king himself.
Telamon sailed with the Argonauts and took part in the Calydonian Boar Hunt. When King Laomedon of Troy cheated Heracles of his promised reward, Telamon joined Heracles' army and was the first to break through the walls of Troy, which made Heracles furious until Telamon wisely built an altar in his honor. As his prize, Telamon received the Trojan princess Hesione, who bore him a son, Teucer.
Before the birth of his first son, Heracles prayed to Zeus that his friend would have a brave child, and an eagle appeared as a sign. The boy was named Ajax, after the Greek word for eagle, and he became one of the greatest warriors of the Trojan War. When Teucer later came home from Troy without his brother, Telamon blamed him for Ajax's death and refused to let him stay on Salamis.
Famous Myths About Telamon
The First Sack of Troy
King Laomedon of Troy cheated Heracles of his promised reward, so Heracles returned with an army that included Telamon. Telamon was the first to break through the city walls, and as his reward he received the Trojan princess Hesione.
The Naming of Ajax
While visiting Telamon, Heracles prayed to Zeus that his friend would have a brave son. An eagle appeared as a sign, and the boy was named Ajax after the Greek word for eagle.
Telamon's Family Tree
Parents of Telamon
Partners of Telamon
Children of Telamon
Frequently Asked Questions About Telamon
Who was Telamon in Greek mythology?
Telamon was a king of Salamis, an Argonaut and a close companion of Heracles. He was the brother of Peleus.
Who were Telamon's children?
Telamon was the father of Ajax the Great and of Teucer, the finest archer among the Greeks at Troy.
What was Telamon's role in the first sack of Troy?
When King Laomedon of Troy refused to pay Heracles for saving his daughter, Heracles attacked the city with Telamon, who was the first to break through the walls. As his prize, Telamon received Hesione, the sister of Priam.
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