The Iliad · Character

Ajax

The Greeks' great wall of a man, second only to Achilles in battle, who holds the line when gods and Hector press the field.

major

Also known as Telamonian Ajax, mighty Ajax, Ajax Telamon, the great Ajax

First appearance: the iliad

As a major figure in The Iliad, Ajax is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Summoned with other princes to the sacrifice.

In the storyBook II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the ForcesOpen this moment free

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Ajax is the army's bulwark, the warrior comrades call on when a corpse must be saved or a line must hold. His strength is matched by a stubborn loyalty that keeps him planted over Patroclus's body like a lion over its…

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See Ajax in the iliad

Character Web

45 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Major Greek and Trojan Figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Jupiter’s wrath, as he…

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In the story

Ajax appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces
Summoned with other princes to the sacrifice.
Book VII: The Combat of Hector and Ajax
Chosen by lot to fight Hector; duels valiantly until nightfall, then exchanges gifts and returns to the Greek camp.
Book IX: The Embassy to Achilles
Part of the embassy to Achilles, later speaks bluntly to him about the need for compassion.
Book XI: The Third Battle, and Exploits of Agamemnon
Rescues Diomed after he is wounded by Paris, helping to rally the Greeks.
Book XII: The Battle at the Grecian Wall
Responds to Menestheus' call for aid, kills Epicles with a massive stone.
Book XIII: The Continuation of the Fourth Battle
Rallied by Neptune's exhortation, stands firm against Hector and the Trojan onslaught.
Book XIII: The Continuation of the Fourth Battle
Oileus' son perceives Neptune's divine presence and shares his realization with Telamonian Ajax.
Book XIV: The Fraud Practised on Jupiter by Juno
Hurls a stone at Hector, striking him on the chest and felling him.
Book XV: The Fifth Battle at the Ships
Ajax valiantly defends the Greek ships, leaping from deck to deck with a long pike, rallying the Greeks and resisting Hector's assault.
Book XVI: The Sixth Battle—Death of Patroclus
Defends the ships under heavy assault, his spear is cut by Hector, retreats as the ships are set on fire.
Book XVII: The Seventh Battle
Rallies the Greeks and stands firm with his shield to protect Patroclus' body.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ajax in the iliad

See Ajax in Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces