Story Summary
Experience the epic tale of Odysseus and the Cyclops. Discover how the clever Greek hero used wit to outsmart the giant Polyphemus and escape his deadly cave.
During his long voyage home from Troy, Odysseus and his men landed on the island of the Cyclopes. Seeking supplies, they entered a massive cave filled with cheeses and pens of sheep. This was the home of Polyphemus, a giant son of Poseidon. When the giant returned, he sealed the cave with a colossal boulder and devoured several of Odysseus's crew. Trapped, Odysseus devised a cunning plan. He offered Polyphemus potent wine until the giant fell into a drunken stupor. Before the giant slept, he asked Odysseus his name, to which the hero replied, 'Nobody.' While the Cyclops slept, the men drove a sharpened, heated olive stake into his single eye. Polyphemus roared in agony, calling to his fellow giants, 'Nobody is killing me!' Hearing this, the others ignored his cries. To escape the cave, Odysseus and his men clung to the bellies of Polyphemus's sheep as the blinded giant let them out to graze. Once safely on his ship, however, Odysseus’s pride took over. He shouted his true name to the shore, allowing Polyphemus to call upon his father, Poseidon, to curse Odysseus with ten years of wandering.
The Moral
Intelligence and preparation are more effective than raw power, but pride and hubris can lead to one's downfall.
“My name is Nobody; my father, mother, and friends, all call me Nobody.”
Fun Fact
In ancient Greek, the name 'Nobody' (Outis) sounds very similar to the word for 'cleverness' (metis), providing a linguistic pun on Odysseus's most famous trait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Odysseus tell the Cyclops his name was 'Nobody'?
By claiming his name was 'Nobody,' Odysseus ensured that when Polyphemus called for help, he would tell the other giants that 'Nobody' was attacking him. This clever ruse prevented the other Cyclopes from intervening and coming to the giant's aid.
How did Odysseus and his men escape the cave?
After blinding the Cyclops, the men tied themselves to the undersides of Polyphemus's giant sheep. When the giant opened the cave to let the flock out to graze, he felt the sheep's backs to check for escapees, but he missed the men hidden beneath.
Who is the father of the Cyclops Polyphemus?
Polyphemus is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. This relationship is significant because it is Poseidon who later punishes Odysseus for blinding his son, making his journey home nearly impossible.
What mistake did Odysseus make after escaping?
In a moment of pride, Odysseus shouted his real name and home to Polyphemus as he sailed away. This allowed the Cyclops to pray specifically to Poseidon to curse Odysseus, which resulted in the loss of all his men and years of delays.
What weapon was used to blind Polyphemus?
Odysseus used a massive stake of olive wood found within the cave. His men sharpened the point, hardened it in the fire, and then drove it into the giant's eye while he was unconscious from wine.
How many men did the Cyclops eat?
Polyphemus ate six of Odysseus's companions in total. He ate two men immediately upon discovering them, two more the following morning, and a final two during the evening before the Greeks blinded him.