Odysseus and the Cyclops: The Cost of Giving Your Name

Odysseus escapes Polyphemus through wine, a false name, and a daring plan beneath the Cyclops's sheep. Then one proud announcement turns a successful escape into a lasting danger. Inside this episode: - Why Odysseus waits inside the cave - The false name Nobody - The escape beneath the sheep - The boast that gives Polyphemus his real name Sources include Homer's Odyssey Book 9 in the Perseus collection and Metropolitan Museum material on the Odyssey and Greek art. This episode is a researched narrative summary. Historical records may be incomplete, translated differently, or interpreted differently by scholars. We distinguish documented facts, estimates, disputed interpretations, and later stories where material. Corrections are logged and incorporated into future editions. Follow Myths in Context for more researched stories of gods, heroes, tricksters, and journeys from around the world.