Telamon

Local stub linking to the Greek Pantheon project, where his own father Aeacus is recorded

King of Salamis, father of the great warrior Ajax, and a veteran companion of Heracles from earlier heroic expeditions.

Relationships

Children

Introduction

Telamon was a king of Salamis, closely associated with Heracles as a companion on several early expeditions, including the sack of Troy under Laomedon, where he was traditionally the first to breach the walls.

Family

Children: Ajax

Companion of Heroes

Telamon's friendship with Heracles ran deep enough that, according to tradition, Heracles prayed to Zeus for Telamon to have a son as brave as the hide of the Nemean lion Heracles was wearing at the time — an eagle appeared in answer, and Telamon named his son Ajax (from the Greek for eagle, aetos) in reference to the omen. Telamon also sailed among the Argonauts on Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece.

As with all figures of Greek heroic legend, sources diverge on many particulars; the account above follows the most widely transmitted classical tradition.

Sources

Pindar, Isthmian Ode 6 (primary text) — https://www.theoi.com/Text/PindarIsthmianOdes.html

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.