Periboea of Salamis

Overview

Periboea of Salamis is the mother of Ajax the Great in a common Greek mythological tradition. She is distinct from the Periboea associated with Penelope's genealogy.

Generation

Heroic Age

Notes

Periboea of Salamis belongs to the family tradition of Ajax the Great, one of the most important Greek warriors of the Trojan War.

In a common genealogy, she is the mother of Ajax by Telamon, king of Salamis.

Through Ajax, Periboea becomes connected with the wider Trojan War tradition, including the defence of the Greek ships, the contest for Achilles' armour and Ajax's tragic death.

Ancient sources preserve several women named Periboea, so this figure must be distinguished carefully from other mythological characters who share the name.

In particular, she is not the same Periboea who appears in some genealogies as the mother of Penelope.

The duplication of names is common in Greek mythology and can create confusion when later summaries merge unrelated family traditions.

Periboea of Salamis is therefore best identified through her relationship with Telamon and Ajax the Great rather than through the name Periboea alone.