Teucer

Teucer, Greek Teukros, is a legendary hero in Greek mythology best known as a skilled archer and a member of the generation of Greek leaders who fought at the Trojan War. He is the son of Telamon, king of Salamis, and the half-brother of Ajax the Great. In most traditions he is celebrated for his accuracy with the bow and for his steadfastness under fire.

In the Trojan War, Teucer fought on the side of the Greeks and is described as a capable commander and fighter. Although not as prominent as Ajax in most surviving accounts, he is repeatedly noted for his military skill and reliability in battle. His exploits contribute to the broader Greek war effort against Troy, and he is sometimes portrayed as acting with prudence and discipline during the siege.

After the fall of Troy, Teucer’s fortunes vary across sources. In some traditions he is banished from the Greek mainland by the other leaders and compelled to seek a new homeland. In others he is linked with the founding of Salamis on the island near Athens, where he is regarded as a founder or even the first king of the city. This association helps explain the enduring link between Teucer and the island’s name and legacy.

Teucer’s story appears in various later Greek literary and mythographic works, where his role intersects with those of Ajax and Telamon. Because different authors offered differing details, the account of Teucer remains one of several competing versions within the wider tapestry of Trojan War myth.