Ajax the Lesser
Ajax son of Oileus was a fast, fierce, impious warrior whose assault on Cassandra in Athena's temple brought divine wrath upon the Greek fleet.
The Legend of Ajax the Lesser
Son of Oileus and the swiftest runner after Achilles, Ajax the Lesser fought at Troy with fierce skill but impious recklessness. When Troy fell, he dragged the prophetess Cassandra from Athena's temple, violating her sanctuary. Athena, enraged, persuaded Poseidon to send storms against the Greek fleet. Ajax survived the shipwreck by clinging to a rock, then boasted that not even the gods could kill him. Poseidon split the rock with his trident, and Ajax drowned — a parable of hubris alongside Odysseus's own difficult homeward voyage to Ithaca.
Parents
Oileus and Eriopis
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Locrians sent two maidens to Troy annually for nearly a thousand years in atonement — one of history's longest religious obligations.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
Explore Further
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