How Did The Cyclops Become An Integral Part Of Greek Society

In the early years of the 7th century BC, Homer wove an extraordinary literary tapestry, paving the way for literature eons after his time. His writing features many fantastic and horrid creatures and gods, but most notably, the Cyclopes. The Cyclops has long been an integral element of Homer's epic, The Odyssey, and its relationship and impact on the tale are no laughing matter. The Cyclops population and the story's hero, Odysseus, intertwine into almost an inseparable whole. The two, when together, create a vivid scene from the epic, but each represent a vital part of Greek culture, religion, and most prominently, values. The Cyclops represent, as a whole, barbarism, conflict, and overall what Ancient Greek civilization would have viewed

They represent the uncivilized portion of society, displaying traits that still ring true in modern society, such as cruelty, violence, and the undignified self. These are displayed in many ways, from when it is said that “they hold no councils, have no common laws... and each makes laws for his own wife and children” (line 112, book 9) to “he made no reply and showed no mercy” (line 387, book 9). The Cyclopes were meant to be viewed as monstrous, and their gruesome portrayal unquestionably accomplished this. However, even creatures such as these did not deserve such vast disrespect as Odysseus gave the Cyclops Polyphemus nes. In turn, the giant Cyclops called upon his godly father, and asked him to curse Odysseus till the end of the man’s days; changing Odysseus's course, seemingly forever. On the flip side of that coin, Odysseus represents the values of his people, seen and written as heroes throughout the epic. The stark opposite of the Cyclops people, Odysseus follows the more traditional values of his people, like reason, intelligence, acumen, and rational thinking, as well as the more heroic aspects such as

For instance, he chose to journey to the Cyclops island, knowing nothing of the dangers that lay beyond, with merely a few of his men, when he had dozens at his disposal. He saved the wife and son of a god, earning many fine treasures, including the wine he would use to later escape the clutches of Polyphemus. Odyseus made use of his mind to formulate a plan, one that would force Polyphemus to relinquish his hold on Odyseus and his men, allowing them to escape. Odyseus' actions were not all good though. His final boastfulness led to Polyphemus pelting them with massive rocks, and the curse of a god, which served as a cautionary tale against pride. Both Odysseus and the Cyclops had an immense effect on Greek civilization and religion. While the Cyclops represented what Greek civilians viewed as wrong or otherworldly, it could be argued that this mythical population had more of a positive effect than a negative one. The Cyclopes very existence solidly supports the time old value of brains over brawn. Odyseus intoxicated Polyphemus, overpowering Polyphemus with five of his men by plunging a scorching staff into the Cyclops eye. This chapter in the epic could be called one of Odysseus's most memorable