Who was the father of the Greek hero Ajax?

The father of the Greek hero Ajax was Telamon. This Ajax is usually called Ajax the Great or Telamonian Ajax to distinguish him from Ajax the Lesser, the son of Oileus.

Telamon was a king of Salamis, the island whose forces Ajax later led to Troy. In Greek mythology, Telamon was the son of Aeacus and the brother of Peleus, making Ajax the cousin of Achilles. Ajax’s mother was commonly named Periboea, although some traditions give her other names.

In Homer’s Iliad, Ajax is one of the strongest and most important Greek warriors. He is known for his enormous shield, steadfast courage, and defensive role as the “bulwark of the Achaeans.” He also appears in stories about the contest for Achilles’ armor after Achilles’ death.

A common mix-up is confusing Ajax the Great with Ajax the Lesser. The latter was the son of Oileus and commanded the Locrian contingent. Telamonian Ajax, by contrast, was the Salaminian hero and the son of Telamon.