Greek World - The Odyssey: by Homer Part Two Odysseus’s journey is fraught with divine intervention right from the start. However, his encounter with Polyphemus, the Cyclops, marks a turning point where his actions bring about severe consequences. Polyphemus is not just any Cyclops; he is a son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, who plays a critical role in the lives of seafaring peoples The Encounter with Polyphemus While on his voyage home, Odysseus and his men land on the island of the Cyclopes and enter the cave of Polyphemus. Here, they are trapped by the giant, who eats several of Odysseus’s men. Odysseus devises a plan to escape: he and his men blind Polyphemus with a heated stake while the giant is asleep, after having given him wine to drink. Before making his escape, Odysseus taunts Polyphemus from his ship, revealing his true name in a moment of pride. This act of hubris proves costly. Polyphemus prays to his father, Poseidon, calling for vengeance upon Odysseus. He asks...