Encyclopedia of Classical Literary Archetypes and Greek Epic Vocabulary

• Ajax — The name borne by two legendary Greek heroes participating in the Trojan War in Homer's epic, the Iliad. The most famous, Ajax of Salamis (or Ajax the Great), son of Telamon, is recognized as the second bravest and strongest Greek warrior after Achilles, characterized by a gigantic stature and a massive bronze shield; the second, Ajax of Locris (or Ajax the Lesser), son of Oileus, is famous for his speed and his tragic end caused by the wrath of the gods after desecrating Athena's temple.