Who is Polyphemus?

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Who is Polyphemus?

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Question restated: Who is Polyphemus?

Option 1: 'A member of Odysseus' crew' — This is incorrect. Polyphemus is not part of Odysseus's crew; the crew members are human fighters and sailors, whereas Polyphemus is a legendary creature encountered by Odysseus. The confusion might arise from mixing up figures who are part of the voyage with others who appear in stories, but Polyphemus is clearly described as a non-human being in the Odyssey.

Option 2: 'A giant Laestrygonian that destroys Odysseus' ship' — This is also incorrect. The Laestrygonians are a separate group of giant cannibals who attack Odysseus's fleet later in the voyage, destroying many ships. Polyphemus and the Laestrygonians are different antagonists in different episodes, so identifying Polyphemus as a Laestrygonian misplaces him in the wrong encounter.

Option 3: 'Odysseus' faithful dog' — This is false. Odysseus’s faithful dog is Argos, not Polyphemus. Argos appears in Book 17–18 of the Odyssey and symbolizes loyalty and the speaker's long absence, whereas Polyphemus is a Cyclops encountered on the island of the Cyclopes.

Option 4: 'A cyclops that eats some of Odysseus' men' — This is correct. Polyphemus is the Cyclops whom Odysseus and his men encounter in the land of the Cyclopes. He traps them in his cave and, after devouring several of the crew, is ultimately blinded by Odysseus. This description aligns with the well-known episode in Homer’s Odyssey, distinguishing him from other mythic beings.

In summary, the misidentifications (Options 1–3) each involve confusing Polyphemus with a crew member, a different giant group, or Odysseus’s dog, while Option 4 accurately captures Polyphemus as the Cyclops who consumes some of Odysseus' men during their voyage. The reasoning hinges on understanding the distinct characters and episodes within the Odyssey and not conflating them with other figures from Greek myth.

CLAS 2220 AU2025 (16301) Quiz 10 (Nov 10-14)

Who is Polyphemus?

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