Ajax the Great

Overview

Ajax the Great is one of the strongest Greek warriors at Troy, second only to Achilles in several traditions. His downfall begins when Odysseus receives Achilles' armour instead of him.

Generation

Trojan War

Symbols

Great shield, spear

Notes

Ajax the Great, son of Telamon, is one of the principal Greek warriors of the Trojan War.

He is especially associated with enormous physical strength, defensive fighting and the protection of the Greek ships.

Unlike several other major heroes, Ajax is not primarily defined by divine favour or clever strategy. His reputation rests on endurance, courage and direct martial ability.

After Achilles dies, his armour becomes the subject of a contest between Ajax and Odysseus.

Odysseus receives the armour.

Ajax experiences the decision as a profound dishonour. In the tragic tradition, madness follows, and he attacks livestock while believing that he is taking revenge on his enemies.

When his sanity returns and he understands what has happened, Ajax kills himself.

His story turns heroic honour into catastrophe and forms one of the major post-Iliad episodes of the Trojan War cycle.