The Cyclops Adventure

Odysseus's encounter with Polyphemus, his cunning escape, and the curse that follows.

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Arrival at the Cyclops' Cave

Odysseus and His Men Enter the Cave Exploring the Cave Odysseus and twelve men enter the cave of Polyphemus, hoping for hospitality. They find cheese and lambs. The Cyclops Returns Polyphemus returns, blocks the entrance with a huge stone, and eats two of Odysseus's men. Odysseus's Plan Odysseus offers Polyphemus wine to get him drunk. He tells the Cyclops his name is "Noman."

Blinding of Polyphemus

The Blinding Getting Polyphemus Drunk Odysseus gives Polyphemus strong wine, and the Cyclops falls asleep drunk. The Stake Odysseus and his men heat a sharpened olive stake and drive it into Polyphemus's single eye, blinding him. The Escape Polyphemus screams for help, but the other Cyclopes think "Noman" is killing him. Odysseus and his men escape by clinging to the undersides of the sheep.

The Curse of Polyphemus

Polyphemus's Prayer Taunting the Cyclops As they sail away, Odysseus taunts Polyphemus and reveals his true name. The Curse Polyphemus prays to his father Poseidon to curse Odysseus, asking that he never reach home, or if he does, that he arrive late, alone, and find trouble in his house. Poseidon's Wrath Poseidon hears the prayer and becomes Odysseus's enemy, causing storms and delays throughout his journey.

After leaving the Lotus-eaters

Night of the first day in the cave

After escaping the cave