Greek MythsHeroes

Ajax and the Armor of Achilles

The tragic fall of a Greek hero who lost his mind and life over a suit of divine armor.

1 min read

5 characters

Illustration for Ajax and the Armor of Achilles - a heroes Greek Myths story with moral lessons

1 min5

Story Summary

After Achilles falls, the hero Ajax competes with Odysseus for his divine armor. Discover the tragic fall of Ajax and the Armor of Achilles in this Greek myth.

After the fall of Achilles, the greatest of the Achaean warriors, a dispute arose over who should inherit his divine armor, forged by the god Hephaestus. Two heroes emerged as contenders: Ajax the Great, the strongest and bravest Greek left on the field, and Odysseus, the most cunning. Ajax argued that his brute strength and defense of the ships earned him the prize, while Odysseus used his legendary eloquence to sway the judges. When the armor was awarded to Odysseus, Ajax was consumed by a shattering sense of dishonor. Driven to madness by the goddess Athena to protect the Greek commanders from his wrath, Ajax mistook a flock of sheep for his rivals and slaughtered them in the night. Upon awakening and realizing his humiliation, the broken hero could not endure the shame. He planted his sword in the earth and fell upon it, ending the life of one of Greece's most formidable legends.

The Moral

True greatness lies not just in physical strength, but in the humility to accept loss and the emotional resilience to survive dishonor.

“A long life is a burden when a man has lost the honor that made life worth living.”

Fun Fact

In Sophocles' play 'Ajax,' the hero’s suicide is depicted on stage, which was extremely rare in ancient Greek theater, as violent acts were usually performed off-stage and reported by a messenger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Ajax and the Armor of Achilles?

The story teaches that pride and an inability to handle public dishonor can be more destructive than any physical wound. It highlights the tragic consequences of valuing one's ego over one's life and purpose.

Why did Ajax and Odysseus fight over the armor?

Achilles' armor was seen as the highest mark of honor among the Greeks. Both men felt they were the most deserving successor to Achilles—Ajax for his martial prowess and Odysseus for his tactical wisdom.

How did Ajax die?

After being driven mad by Athena and realizing he had slaughtered livestock instead of his enemies, Ajax was overcome by shame. He committed suicide by falling on his own sword, the only Greek hero in the Trojan War to do so.

Who created the armor of Achilles?

The armor was forged by Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire and blacksmithing, at the request of Achilles' mother, Thetis. It was considered divine and nearly indestructible.

Why did Athena make Ajax go mad?

Athena intervened to protect the Greek leaders, Agamemnon and Menelaus. Ajax intended to kill them for awarding the armor to Odysseus, so she clouded his mind to make him target sheep instead.

Was Ajax considered the second-best Greek warrior?

Yes, in the Iliad, Ajax is frequently described as the strongest and most courageous Greek warrior after Achilles. He was the 'bulwark' of the army, known for his massive shield and never retreating.