Polyphemus

Definition

Polyphemus is a cyclops and a character in Homer's 'The Odyssey' who is known for his immense size, strength, and singular eye. He is the son of Poseidon and embodies the theme of barbarism versus civilization, highlighting the struggles between the Greeks and the monstrous beings they encounter. His encounter with Odysseus serves as a critical moment that reflects both religious themes of divine retribution and ethical considerations of cunning versus brute force.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polyphemus lives on an isolated island and is depicted as a savage being, contrasting sharply with Odysseus's cleverness and human traits.
2. Odysseus blinds Polyphemus by using a sharpened stake, showcasing his resourcefulness in overcoming brute strength.
3. After being blinded, Polyphemus calls upon his father Poseidon to curse Odysseus, demonstrating the connection between human actions and divine consequences.
4. The episode emphasizes the theme of xenia, or hospitality, as Polyphemus violates this code by eating Odysseus's men instead of treating them as guests.
5. The story highlights ethical dilemmas about survival, as Odysseus must choose between immediate safety and moral principles when confronting Polyphemus.

Review Questions

• How does the encounter between Odysseus and Polyphemus illustrate the conflict between civilization and barbarism?
  • The encounter highlights the stark contrast between Odysseus, who represents civilization with his intelligence and strategic thinking, and Polyphemus, who embodies barbarism with his brute force and lack of societal norms. Odysseus's cleverness in devising a plan to blind the cyclops emphasizes the idea that civilization triumphs through intellect over raw strength. This interaction showcases how Greek culture viewed themselves in relation to monstrous figures like Polyphemus.
• Analyze the significance of divine retribution in the story of Polyphemus and its impact on Odysseus's journey.
  • Divine retribution plays a crucial role in 'The Odyssey', especially in the consequences faced by Odysseus after blinding Polyphemus. When Polyphemus invokes Poseidon's wrath against Odysseus, it leads to numerous trials and tribulations throughout Odysseus's journey home. This event underlines the belief that disrespecting divine beings or failing to adhere to societal norms results in punishment, reinforcing themes of morality within the narrative.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of Odysseus's actions against Polyphemus in relation to xenia, or hospitality.
  • Odysseus's actions raise significant ethical questions regarding hospitality and survival. While he initially approaches Polyphemus as a guest seeking refuge, the cyclops’s violent response forces Odysseus into a position where he must prioritize his men's lives over moral principles. This dilemma illustrates the complexities of xenia: even though Polyphemus breaks this sacred bond by attacking his guests, Odysseus’s subsequent deception and violence further complicate our understanding of right versus wrong within desperate circumstances.

Related terms

Odysseus: The protagonist of 'The Odyssey', known for his intelligence and cunning, especially in his encounter with Polyphemus.

Cyclopes: A race of one-eyed giants in Greek mythology, representing the chaotic and untamed aspects of nature.

Poseidon: The god of the sea in Greek mythology, who seeks vengeance on Odysseus for blinding his son Polyphemus.