# Ajax — Metamorphoses character guide

> Ajax in Metamorphoses by Ovid.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** dull Ajax, Ajax Telamon

**First appearance:** 0127-speeches-of-ajax-and-ulysses

## Snapshot

The blunt Greek champion whose worth is weighed against Achilles' armor, a contest of pride that will prove as deadly as any Trojan spear.

## Who they are

Ajax Telamon stands among the Greek heroes whose deeds fill the Trojan cycle, a warrior defined by sheer strength rather than cunning. In Ovid's telling, his rivalry with Ulysses for the dead Achilles' armor becomes a courtroom battle of words he cannot win, exposing the gap between martial valor and persuasive skill. His presence haunts the poem's later books as a reminder that the greatest warrior's legacy can be claimed by the smoothest tongue.

## In the story

### [Book XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/book-xii)

Rival to Ulysses for Achilles's armor; described as vast bulk and dull Ajax.

### [Death of Achilles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/death-of-achilles)

Rises as one of two rivals claiming Achilles's armor.

### [Book XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/book-xiii)

Contests with Ulysses for the arms of Achilles, relying on his physical prowess and deeds.

### [Speeches of Ajax and Ulysses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/speeches-of-ajax-and-ulysses)

Contends for Achilles' armor, boasting of his lineage and battlefield valor, and accusing Ulysses of cowardice.

### [Death of Ajax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/death-of-ajax)

In despair over losing to Ulysses, Ajax commits suicide by his own sword; his blood transforms into a hyacinth.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced in endnotes.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/characters/ajax
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/characters