What tricks did odysseus play on Polyphemus and how did they affect him?
In Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey," Odysseus plays several tricks on Polyphemus, who is a Cyclops and the son of Poseidon. These tricks have significant effects on Polyphemus and contribute to the overall story of Odysseus' journey.
1. Trick with the Name: Odysseus and his men are trapped inside Polyphemus' cave. To deceive the Cyclops and protect his true identity, Odysseus tells Polyphemus that his name is "Nobody." When Odysseus and his men attack Polyphemus later, the Cyclops cries out to his fellow Cyclopes for help. However, they assume that "Nobody" is harming him, so they do not come to his aid.
2. Blinding Polyphemus: In order to escape the cave, Odysseus devises a plan to blind Polyphemus. While the Cyclops sleeps, Odysseus and his men sharpen a large wooden stake and heat it in the fire. They then ram the stake into Polyphemus' single eye, blinding him. This act causes immense pain and suffering for the Cyclops.
3. Escape Plan: After blinding Polyphemus, Odysseus and his men disguise themselves as sheep by tying each of their men underneath the bellies of the Cyclops' sheep. This clever ruse allows them to escape the cave undetected when Polyphemus lets his flock out to graze the next morning.
The effects of these tricks on Polyphemus are devastating. Blinding him deprives him of his main sense, making it nearly impossible for him to hunt or carry out his daily activities. It also leads to his humiliation and anger, as he cannot identify the ones who harmed him. This event further incurs the wrath of Poseidon, Polyphemus' father, who becomes a major obstacle to Odysseus' journey back home. In essence, Odysseus' tricks serve as a turning point in the story and have profound consequences for both Polyphemus and Odysseus.