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Aias the Lesser

During The Trojan War Ajax the Lesser might have been short in stature, but he was fleet of foot, and deadly with the spear. Locrian Ajax acquitted himself well during the Trojan War, and may have killed as many as 14 named Trojan defenders.

Homer names Ajax as the killer of Satnius, son of Enops, by a spear in his side, and Kleobulus, with a sword in the neck. Additionally, Ajax probably also killed the Amazons Derinoe, Gavius and Amphimedon.

Ajax would often be found in the company of Ajax the Greater, and as a fighting pair, they were called the Aiantes. Thus, Ajax the Lesser was prominent in the defense of the Akhaean ships, and also in the defense of the body of Patroklos. It was also said that Ajax the Lesser volunteered to face Hektor in single combat.

Unlike Ajax the Greater, Ajax the Lesser would survive until the end of the war, and was named as one of the Akhaeans who hid in the belly of the Wooden Horse and took part in the Sacking of Troy.

Away from the fighting Ajax was considered to be a quarrelsome individual and an antagonist of Odysseus; with the antipathy between the pair evident when during the funeral games, Odysseus beat Ajax the Lesser in a foot race, although Odysseus only won because he was favored by the goddess Athena.


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