Ajax by Sophocles is a Greek tragedy that tells the story of Ajax, a warrior in the Trojan War. After the armor of the slain Achilles is awarded to Odysseus instead of him, Ajax is consumed by rage and humiliation. In his madness, he attempts to kill the Greek leaders, but is tricked by the goddess Athena into attacking livestock instead. When he regains his senses, Ajax chooses to take his own life rather than live in dishonor. His death ignites debates among the Greeks about whether he deserves a proper burial.
One of the oldest surviving tragedies in Western literature, a stark meditation on honor, madness, and the price of pride.
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