The Cyclops

Odysseus’ blinding of the Cyclops by a combination of μῆτις‎ and βίη‎ continues the debate on the qualities needed for success initiated in the songs of Demodocus. The uncultivated Cyclopes reflect a reversed image of their relatives, the super-civilized Phaeacians. The mirror of the Cyclopeia simultaneously reflects the suitors (Model A) and Odysseus himself (Model B). In Model A, the suitors parallel the Cyclops as Odysseus’ adversary. No One is the false name by which Odysseus tricks the Cyclops: the suitors fear no one. Their consumption of Odysseus’ flocks and herds corresponds to the Cyclops’ consumption of Odysseus’ companions. Both they and the Cyclops are killed while under the influence of wine. In Model B, Odysseus returns, like the Cyclops, to find intruders consuming his resources. Odysseus confronts the suitors from the doorway of his hall in a near theophany parodied by the blinded Cyclops in his cave doorway.