Oileus

Oileus was a figure in Greek mythology, primarily known as the father of Ajax the Lesser. Ajax the Lesser was one of the prominent heroes in the Trojan War, a companion of the more famous Ajax the Greater. Oileus himself was a king of the Locrians, a people who inhabited the region of Locris in central Greece. His lineage is often traced back to Apollo, suggesting a divine connection.

The myth of Oileus is closely tied to the parentage of Ajax the Lesser. His mother was Eriopis, though some sources mention other mothers. Oileus is sometimes depicted as a significant warrior and ruler in his own right, though his fame is largely overshadowed by that of his son. During the Trojan War, Ajax the Lesser was a skilled warrior, commanding a contingent of Locrian troops.

After the fall of Troy, the fate of both Oileus and his son became part of the post-war myths. Ajax the Lesser incurred the wrath of the goddess Athena due to his hubris and sacrilege during the sack of the city. According to some accounts, Oileus was also present or involved in these events, and his fate was linked to that of his son. While not as central a character as many Olympian gods or major heroes, Oileus plays a crucial role in the lineage and context of the Trojan War narrative through his son.