Greek Mythology

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Setting: Ulysses and his men imprisoned in the cave of Polyphemus, a Cyclops.

  • Situation: The men are trapped with no escape, trembling in fear after Polyphemus kills three of them. Each sailor fears he will be next.

  • Cultural Context: The Cyclops disregards the sacred Greek law of hospitality, creating a sense of dread among the sailors.

• Characterization of Ulysses:

  • Described as a man of "twists and turns" and as wise, but showing signs of despair since the departure from Troy.

  • Relationship to the Gods: Ulysses has ceased to implore the gods, possibly feeling that escape relies solely on his cunning rather than divine intervention.

• Ulysses’ Plan:

  • Observes a large olive log, hypothesizing that it could be used as a stake to blind the Cyclops.

  • He begins to sharpen the log and inspires his men, who rally to assist him, abandoning their lamenting.

  • Ulysses reassures his men of his cleverness and cunning skills.

• Execution of the Plan:

  • Ulysses needs two volunteers for the risky endeavor against the Cyclops.

  • Wineskins from Seconies: Ulysses plans to get Polyphemus drunk using the wine gifted from Apollo’s priest.

Chapter 2: Ulysses' Companions

• First Encounter with Polyphemus:

  • The Cyclops returns, brutally grabbing two men and consuming them raw.

  • Ulysses’ companions react with terror, crying out to Zeus for mercy; they receive only the Cyclops' dismissive belch.

• Ulysses’ Courage and Deception:

  • Ulysses offers wine to Polyphemus, labeling it the best on earth.

  • As the Cyclops drinks, he expresses desire to reward Ulysses, asking for his name. Ulysses cunningly replies that he is "Nobody."

• The Blinding of Polyphemus:

  • As the Cyclops drunkenly falls into sleep, Ulysses and his men blind him with the stake they prepared.