Black Horse

Odysseus and Polyphemus

In short: Odysseus hides his name with wordplay and uses the flock to escape the cave.

Odysseus and Polyphemus · Escape from the Cyclops FAIRY TALE ATLAS · № 62 Odysseus and Polyphemus Odysseus hides his name with wordplay and uses the flock to escape the cave. Origin Ancient Greece · epic tradition Atlas record c. 8th–7th century BCE First appearance Exact date unknown SIGNATURE MOTIF Escape from the Cyclops Reach¹ 1/10 Suggested age² 8+ Member rating No votes yet 1 records · 1 countries or regions blackhorsestories.com

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Origin and tradition

Ancient Greece · epic tradition

In Book IX of the Odyssey, Odysseus introduces himself as Nobody. When Polyphemus calls for help, his neighbours take him to mean that no one is attacking him. The giant later feels the backs of the animals he lets out. Odysseus and his companions hide underneath. A flock also makes escape possible in Basat’s story, where the hero wears a ram’s skin.

Dated records and sources

  1. c. 8th–7th century BCE · Ancient Greece · epic tradition
    Homer · Odyssey, IX

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Black Horse. Odysseus and Polyphemus. https://blackhorsestories.com/en/atlas-tale-polyphemus/