This name does not have anything to do with the Greek word for 'mourning.' This is a common mistake because of the connection with the words of mourning used in the Illiad (Ai!) in connection to the hyacinth, which bears on its leaves the two first letters of his name (ai).Truly, Ajax is named for Zeus's eagle (in Greek, 'aietos'). Before Ajax was born, Hercules prayed to Zeus that his friend, Telemon, also Ajax's father, would be given a brave son. An eagle appeared in the sky as Zeus's acknowledgment of the prayer.The name Ajax is, in fact, derived from the Greek word for 'eagle' (aietos), not for 'mourning.'
Truly, Ajax is named for Zeus's eagle (in Greek, 'aietos'). Before Ajax was born, Hercules prayed to Zeus that his friend, Telemon, also Ajax's father, would be given a brave son. An eagle appeared in the sky as Zeus's acknowledgment of the prayer.
The name Ajax is, in fact, derived from the Greek word for 'eagle' (aietos), not for 'mourning.'