home to a fantastic, archetypal creature

a beautiful, hidden location

a rugged, barren land formation

an imaginary but believable place

They beg Poseidon to make the Cyclops free them.

They blind the Cyclops and then sneak away during the night.

They hide in the rams’ wool and let the rams carry them past the Cyclops.

They roll boulders down a hill to distract the Cyclops, and then run.

strength in pursuit of adventure

honesty in the face of conflict

dependence on the gods

cleverness in the face of danger

He blinds the Cyclops with a boathook

He throws a boulder that causes a wave to flood the ship

He single-handedly pushes the ship out to sea while urging his men to row

He taunts the Cyclops from the shore

They disagree about where to hide from the Cyclops

The men beg Odysseus to stop taunting the Cyclops, but he continues

They disagree about whether or not to kill the Cyclops

The men want to steal the Cyclops’ sheep without telling Odysseus

Cowardice

Dishonesty

Pride

Vengefulness

the rescue of a nation from invaders

a hero’s loyalty to his friends

the victorious homecoming of a hero

a hero’s triumph over a powerful opponent