Book IX of twenty-four · The Wanderings Told

The Ciconians, Lotus-Eaters, and Cyclops

Polyphemus blinded, voyage cursed

At the Phaeacian feast, Odysseus names himself and recounts leaving Troy: a raid on the Ciconians, a storm off Cape Maleia, and the Lotus-eaters’ forgetful flower. Scouting the Cyclops’ island, he and twelve men are trapped by Polyphemus, who devours four crewmen before Odysseus blinds him and escapes bound beneath the rams. Naming himself in triumph as he flees, he draws Polyphemus’s prayer that curses his voyage home.

Argument, 1871 The adventures of Odysseus after the fall of Troy related by him at the request of Alcinous —His attack on the Ciconians and the destruction of their city —Rally and reinforcement of the Ciconians, who slaughter many of the companions of Odysseus —The lotus-eaters, who subsist on flowers —Arrival of Odysseus at the land of the cyclops —Polyphemus and his barbarities —Revenge of Odysseus, who puts out the single eye of Polyphemus and escapes.

Episodes of Book IX

1. From Troy to the Lotus-eaters — Odysseus raids Ismarus, storm, lotus
   • Odysseus begins his tale
   • Raid on the Ciconians
   • Storm and the Lotus-eaters
2. Into the Cyclops’ cave — Scouting party trapped in Cyclops’ cave
   • The Cyclops’ shores
   • Scouting Polyphemus’s cave
   • Trapped in the cave
3. Trapped with the man-eater — Polyphemus interrogates, devours four men
   • Polyphemus interrogates
   • Devoured
4. The trick of Noman — Odysseus tricks Polyphemus, blinds him
   • The stake is prepared
   • Wine loosens the giant
   • Noman blinds the Cyclops
5. Poseidon’s curse — Crew flees beneath rams, Polyphemus curses
   • Noman fools the neighbors
   • Escape beneath the rams
   • Odysseus reveals his name
   • The fleet regained