# Speeches of Ajax and Ulysses explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Ajax and Ulysses contend before the Greek chiefs for the armor of the slain Achilles. Ajax argues from his lineage, strength, and direct service in battle, accusing Ulysses of cowardice and deceit. Ulysses counters with his strategic contributions, including the capture of the Trojan prophet and the Palladium, and his role in bringing Achilles to war. The chiefs award the armor to Ulysses.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Revenge

The contest for Achilles' armor is rooted in the violence of the Trojan War and the personal rivalries it spawns.

### Fate and Prophecy

Ulysses' capture of the Trojan prophet and the Palladium highlights the role of fate and divine will in the war's outcome.

## Character check-ins

### Ajax

Contends for Achilles' armor, boasting of his lineage and battlefield valor, and accusing Ulysses of cowardice.

### Ulysses

Rivals Ajax for the armor, defending his cunning and strategic contributions to the Greek cause.

### Achilles

His armor is the prize over which Ajax and Ulysses dispute.

### Jove

Invoked by Ajax as the highest god in his lineage and as witness to his deeds.

### Diomed

Mentioned by both speakers as Ulysses' companion in night exploits and as a witness to Ulysses' conduct.

### Nestor

Referenced by Ajax as a faithful friend whom Ulysses allegedly abandoned in battle.

## Key lines

> For that dull soul to stare, with stupid eyes, On the learn’d unintelligible prize! What are to him the sculptures of the shield, Heaven’s planets, earth, and ocean’s watery field?

Ajax is too ignorant to appreciate the intricate designs on Achilles' shield, which depict the cosmos and the world.

_Ulysses mocks Ajax's lack of understanding of the shield's artistry._

> My sire was Telamon, whose arms, employ’d With Hercules, these Trojan walls destroy’d; And who before, with Jason sent from Greece, In the first ship brought home the golden fleece.

My father Telamon fought alongside Hercules to destroy Troy and sailed with Jason on the first ship to retrieve the Golden Fleece.

_Ajax boasts of his noble lineage to justify his claim to the armor._

> Thus fights Ulysses, thus his fame extends, A formidable man but to his friends: Great, for what greatness is in words and sound; Ev’n faithful Nestor less in both is found.

Ulysses is dangerous only to his own allies, and his reputation rests on empty rhetoric rather than real deeds.

_Ajax accuses Ulysses of being a treacherous friend and a mere talker._

## Links

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