He competed with the Greek hero Odysseus for the armour of Achilles but lost, which so enraged him that it caused his death. According to a later story, Ajax's disappointment drove him mad. On coming to his senses, he slew himself with the sword that he had received as a present from Hector.
What are Odysseus and Ajax fighting over?
When Achilles dies, killed by Paris (with help from Apollo), Ajax and Odysseus are the heroes who fight against the Trojans to get the body and bury it with his companion, Patroclus. ... In the Little Iliad, Ajax goes mad with rage at Odysseus' victory and slaughters the cattle of the Greeks.
Why did Odysseus and Ajax fight?
After the death of Achilles, the Greeks organized funeral games, after which a dispute arose between Odysseus and Ajax over who would own the champion's divine armour . According to Lesches, Odysseus won the armour with the help of the goddess Athena, that is to say: dishonestly. This drove Ajax mad with rage.
Who did Ajax fight for?
Ajax was the son of the king of Salamis, Telamon. As a suitor of Helen , Ajax had been obligated by the oath of Tyndareus to fight for the return of Helen to Menelaus. He fulfilled his obligation by leading twelve ships with troops from Salamis to Troy.
What book did Ajax kill himself?
Iliad 7 has a long fight between Hector and Ajax: it is a draw with gifts exchanged at the end (Hector gave him the sword on which he kills himself in Ajax). Teucer and Hector are cousins.
What does Ajax mean in Greek?
From the Greek name Αἴας (Aias), perhaps deriving from Greek αἰαστής (aiastes) meaning “ mourner ” or αἶα (aia) meaning “earth, land”.
Where was Ajax buried?
But, a few hours later, as so many times before, the prophet Calchas changed his mind. On his advice, Agamemnon allowed Ajax to be buried at Cape Rhoeteum and in a coffin – making him the only Greek hero fallen at Troy whose body was not honorably burned at a pyre.
Who killed Achilles?
Achilles is killed by an arrow, shot by the Trojan prince Paris . In most versions of the story, the god Apollo is said to have guided the arrow into his vulnerable spot, his heel. In one version of the myth Achilles is scaling the walls of Troy and about to sack the city when he is shot.
Who killed Menelaus?
Menelaus soundly beats Paris, but before he can kill him and claim victory, Aphrodite spirits Paris away inside the walls of Troy. In Book 4, while the Greeks and Trojans squabble over the duel's winner, Athena inspires the Trojan Pandarus to shoot Menelaus with his bow and arrow.
What crime did Ajax commit?
For his crime of dragging King Priam's daughter Cassandra from the statue of the goddess Athena and violating her , he barely escaped being stoned to death by his Greek allies. Odysseus knew that Athena would be angry and advised the Greeks to put Ajax to death.
Was Ajax stronger than Achilles?
In Book 13.320-325 of the Greek text and 13.375-379 of Fagle's translation, Idomeneus states that Ajax would not yield to Achilles in a stand up fight albeit Achilles would beat him in downfield racing.
Who was Ajax king of?
Ajax was a hero in Greek mythology, son of King Telamon of Salamis and Periboea . He played a pivotal role in the myth of the Trojan War.
Who killed Ajax in Troy?
The goddess Athena intervened, and Ajax, believing a herd of cattle to be his comrades, slaughtered the cattle instead. When Ajax realized what he had done, he fell onto his own sword and committed suicide. The sword he used to commit suicide was one given to him by Hector .
Where did Ajax kill himself?
This drove Ajax mad with rage. In his bloodlust, he killed the cattle of the Greeks . Regaining his senses, Ajax was so ashamed that he killed himself.
What atrocity did Ajax the Lesser commit?
Ajax and the Sacking of Troy
Some even tell of Ajax the Lesser raping Cassandra in the temple. These actions greatly angered the goddess Athena, but the other Achaean leaders were ignorant of the crimes that Ajax the Lesser may have committed.
How tall was Ajax the Great?
| Age 30 | Height 5'6′′ | Weight 180 LB |
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