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Who Was Ajax?
"Alone of them all the spirit of Ajax, son of Telamon, stood
apart ... the heroic Ajax, who next to Achilles was the finest
of all in looks and the noblest in action."
Ajax was the first son of Telamon, king of Salamis, friend
of Heracles. A great warrior, Ajax was one of the leaders
against Troy and one of the suitors of Helen. When the time
came to sail against Troy, Ajax became leader of the
Salaminians and contributed 12 ships to the Achaean fleet.
During the Trojan War, Ajax fought in single combat against
Hector until the heralds parted them. The warriors, then,
exchanged gifts: Hector gave him his sword and Ajax gave Hector
his belt.
"Ever since I took into my hand this gift from Hector, my
greatest enemy, I have gotten no good from the Greeks. Yes,
men's proverb is true: the gifts of enemies are no gifts and
bring no good."
- Ajax
This proved to be true, because Ajax gave Hector the belt by
which he was dragged by Achilles, and Hector gave Ajax the
sword with which he killed himself.
