Ajax

Ajax is a tragedy written by Sophocles and first published in 440 BC.

In this gripping tragedy by Sophocles, we learn the story of Ajax, a brave warrior who fought in the Trojan War. After the death of Achilles, a battle ensues over his precious armor. The Greek leaders give this honor to Odysseus instead of Ajax.

Feeling unjustly disgraced, Ajax begins to plot revenge against those who humiliated him. But through divine intervention, Ajax mistakes his enemies for a herd of cattle upon which he unleashes his full wrath.

When he comes to his senses, Ajax realizes what he has done to this herd, which was his livelihood, and he will face the scorn of his fellows...

"ATHENA: Son of Laertes, ever do I behold thee
Scheming to snatch some vantage o'er thy foes.
And now among the tents that guard the ships
Of Ajax, camped at the army's outmost verge,
Long have I watched thee hunting in his trail,
And scanning his fresh prints, to learn if now
He be within or forth. "