Ajax
Ajax
6 min read
Ajax, son of Telamon, king of Salamis, is one of the greatest Greek heroes of the Trojan War. Renowned for his colossal size and strength, he is considered, after Achilles, the finest warrior in the Achaean camp.
Frequently asked questions
Key Facts
- Son of Telamon, king of Salamis, he leads his warriors against Troy in the Homeric legend
- Portrayed in the Iliad as the largest and strongest of the Achaeans after Achilles
- Fights the Trojan hero Hector in single combat, with neither man gaining the upper hand
- Protects the body of the fallen Achilles and defends the Greek ships
- According to tradition (notably Sophocles), he takes his own life after the arms of Achilles are awarded to Odysseus rather than to him
Works & Achievements
A memorable single combat that ends in a draw, proving that Ajax is the only Achaean able to stand up to the Trojan champion.
Ajax single-handedly repels the Trojan assault and prevents the burning of the fleet, saving the Greek army from disaster.
He shields the body of Patroclus with his shield and makes it possible to wrest it from the Trojans.
After the death of Achilles, Ajax carries his body out of the fray while Odysseus holds off the enemy.
He is among the chiefs sent to persuade Achilles to return to battle, delivering a short and frank speech.
Honored as a founding hero, Ajax gives his name to an Athenian tribe (the Aiantids) and receives an official cult.
Anecdotes
When the Greek leaders draw lots to decide who will face Hector in single combat, it is Ajax's token that leaps from the helmet. The fight lasts until dusk with no victor, and the two heroes, full of mutual admiration, exchange gifts: Hector offers his sword, Ajax his purple belt.
Ajax is often called “the bulwark of the Achaeans” by Homer, for he alone protects an entire portion of the Greek camp. When the Trojans hurl fire at the ships, it is he who, standing on the decks with a long pike, holds off the assault the longest.
His most famous weapon is an immense shield made of seven layers of oxhide covered with a plate of bronze, crafted by the artisan Tychios. This shield “like a tower” is the emblem of his strength and of his role as protector.
After the death of Achilles, it is decided that his divine armor should be awarded to the most deserving. The contest pits Ajax against Odysseus, and it is the latter who wins thanks to his eloquence. Mad with rage and humiliation, Ajax descends into madness and takes his own life.
In legend, from the spilled blood of Ajax springs a flower, the hyacinth, whose petals bear the letters “AI,” read as the hero's cry of grief. The Greeks saw in this a sign that nature itself wept for his tragic end.
Primary Sources
Ajax came forward, like a rampart, bearing his shield like a tower, made of bronze and seven oxhides.
Now I am going where I must go. As for you, do quickly what I say: know that I am saved, perhaps, from my woes.
The earth, reddened by his blood, brought forth upon the green turf a purple flower, the same that once before had sprung from the blood of Hyacinthus.
Over the arms of Achilles a dispute arose between Ajax and Odysseus; Odysseus prevailed, and Ajax, his mind unhinged, took his own life.
Key Places
Island in the Saronic Gulf ruled by Telamon, the father of Ajax. It is the hero's homeland, from which he leads his warriors to Troy.
City of Asia Minor besieged for ten years by the Greeks. It is where Ajax performs his great deeds and meets his death.
The makeshift rampart and the row of vessels hauled up onto the beach, which Ajax defends single-handedly against the Trojan fire.
Port in Boeotia where the Greek fleet gathers before setting sail for Troy. The starting point of the expedition in which Ajax takes part.
A revered burial mound on the coast of the Troad where ancient tradition places the hero's grave. Greek and Roman travelers came there to pay their respects.