The Myth of the Cyclops Polyphemus: The Blinding of the Giant, the Name of 'Nobody', and the Escape from the Cave
The Giant of the Cave In the epic wanderings of Odysseus (Ulysses) recorded by Homer in the Odyssey , the hero's journey is a permanent struggle against the monstrous, uncivilized forces of the ancient world. Following the fall of Troy, as Odysseus and his crew navigated the Mediterranean Sea to return to their home in Ithaca, they landed on the fertile island of the Cyclopes —a lawless race of giant, one-eyed shepherds who lived in caves, knew nothing of agriculture or civic laws, and did not worship the gods of Olympus. Odysseus, driven by his curiosity and the desire to receive the traditional gifts of hospitality ( xenia ), led twelve of his men into the giant cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus , the son of the sea-god Poseidon. The trap was immediate and horrific. When Polyphemus returned from his pasture, he blocked the entrance of the cave with a massive stone cliff that could not be moved by human strength, discovered the intruders, and immediately killed and devoured four...