Ajax the Lesser facts for kids
Ajax was a famous hero in Greek mythology. People called him "Ajax the Lesser." This helped tell him apart from another hero, Ajax the Great. His father was King Oileus of Locris. Ajax the Lesser led his people, the Locrians, in the Trojan War. You can read about him in ancient stories like Homer's Iliad. He was also known as Aivas Vilates in Etruscan mythology.
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Who Was Ajax the Lesser?
Ancient writers described Ajax. One writer, Dares Phrygius, said he was "stocky" and "powerfully built." He was also described as "swarthy," "pleasant," and "brave."
Ajax's Life and Adventures
Early Life and Family
Ajax's mother was named Eriopis. He was born in a place called Naryx in Locris. This is why some old texts call him the "hero from Naryx."
Role in the Trojan War
Ajax led forty ships of Locrians to fight in the Trojan War. He was known as one of the bravest Greek heroes. In battle, he wore a special linen armor called a linothorax.
He was very good at throwing a spear. He was also one of the fastest Greek warriors. Only Achilles was faster than him.
The Footrace at Patroclus's Funeral
During the funeral games for Patroclus, Ajax competed in a footrace. He raced against Odysseus and Antilochus. However, the goddess Athena did not like Ajax. She helped Odysseus by making Ajax trip and fall. Because of this, Ajax only won second place.
The Tragic End of Ajax
Angering the Gods
After the Greeks captured Troy, Ajax did something terrible. He dragged Cassandra from the temple of Athena. Cassandra was a priestess, and she had sought safety there. This act made the goddess Athena very angry.
A Greek prophet named Calchas warned everyone. He said Athena was furious and would destroy their ships. He told them to kill Ajax right away. But Ajax hid at an altar, and the Greeks were afraid to kill him there. They feared making the gods even angrier.
Poseidon's Wrath
The Greeks left Troy without punishing Ajax. Athena remained very angry. She asked Zeus to send a huge storm. This storm sank many Greek ships as they sailed home.
Ajax's own ship was hit by a thunderbolt from Athena. It was wrecked near some dangerous rocks. But Ajax managed to hold onto a rock. The god Poseidon even helped him.
Ajax should have been saved. But he then boasted loudly. He said he would escape the sea's dangers, even without the gods' help. This made Poseidon very angry. Poseidon used his trident to split the rock. Ajax then fell into the sea and drowned.
Ajax's Legacy
After his death, people believed Ajax's spirit lived on Leuce Island. The people of Opuntian Locris honored Ajax as their national hero. They had so much faith in him. When they went to battle, they always left one space open in their army. They believed Ajax, though unseen, would fight with them.
Ajax's story was often told by ancient poets and artists. Some old coins from Locris show a hero with a helmet, shield, and sword. This hero is probably Ajax the Lesser.
Related pages
See Also
In Spanish: Áyax el Menor para niños
