Ulesses Receiving the Arms Achilles

myminifactory

When Achilles lies lifeless outside Troy's walls, his magnificent armor, crafted by Vulcan himself, the blacksmith god, is up for grabs. Ulysses and Ajax both stake their claim, but Minerva, goddess of wisdom, makes it clear that Ulysses will be taking home the prize. In this relief, we see Minerva at center, easily identifiable by her owl emblem, as she points out Ulysses on the left, who receives the armor with a nod of approval. On the opposite side, Achilles' tomb comes into view, adorned with an urn and accompanied by his grieving mother Thetis, while Ajax on the far right slumps in defeat, clasping his hands to his head as he exits the scene. So distraught is Ajax at being outdone that he ultimately takes his own life.