Page "Ajax (mythology)" Paragraph 12

Like most of the other Greek leaders, Ajax is alive and well as the Iliad comes to a close.

Later, when Achilles dies, killed by Paris ( with help from Apollo ), Ajax and Odysseus are the heroes who fight against the Trojans to get the body and bury it next to his friend, Patroclus.

Ajax, with his great shield and spear, manages to drive off the Trojans, while Odysseus pulls the body to his chariot, and rides away with it to safety.

After the burial, both claim the armor for themselves, as recognition for their efforts.

After several days of competition, Odysseus and Ajax are tied for the ownership of the magical armor which was forged on Mount Olympus by the god Hephaestus.

It is then that a competition is held to determine who deserves the armor.

Ajax argues that because of his strength and the fighting he has done for the Greeks, including saving the ships from Hector, and driving him off with a massive rock, he deserves the armor.

However, Odysseus proves to be more eloquent, and the council gives him the armor.

Ajax, " Unconquered ", and furious, falls upon his own sword, " conquered by his sorrow ".