Polyphemus: The Living Legend
To man, anything not human is a monster, and to them, I had fallen in that category. For centuries, I had lived happily in my cave off the coast of Sicily. That is, until Odysseus of Ithaca came along and drove a stake into my eye. For over 30 centuries, I lived in my dark cold world. Without sight, I was not been able to enjoy the colors of the world. I was not able to see my face in the water. I was not able to look upon my few sheep that hadn't escaped with Odysseus, my children. They were all I ever had.
After my blinding, I began to pray to the gods more. My father, Poseidon, would often beach a whale for me to feast on as he could not stand to watch his child starve. Zeus, my uncle, did not show me any …show more content…
I had herded my sheep, chomped on some cheese, and I was beginning to feel my way to the coast when a heard a wave roaring towards my island. I feared for my children and ran back to my cave to protect them when I heard a booming voice.
"Polyphemus!"
"Ye... Yes? Is that you father?"
"Yes; for it is I, Poseiden, God of the Ocean and father of you my child. I come with a message, but you must answer quick. Would you like your vision back?"
"Why yes of coarse. I wish to look upon thee once more." I replied eagerly, anxious to be able to see once more.
"Very well, but know this. I must take away your size to return your sight. Your uncle and I have argued for many centuries on how to help you, and we have reached this agreement. I may return to you your vison but you must fit the shape of a man." My father had …show more content…
You are aware that you may very well lose your life because of this. Surely you don't want that, do you?"
"Father," I respond, focusing on holding the building as people flee, "all my life, I was an outcast and a monster. Not one human saw me as a hero. Now, while I have proved to you that I am good, if I allow others to die, that makes me the killer, and that is a title I do not want again. No Father, I am not a human, but I have a heart, just like any man. And I am no longer Polyphemus! I am Pauly!" I roar. Struggling to keep the building up, I watch as the last man reaches safety. It was too late for me.
"Humans!" I cry, "I was the legendary Polyphemus, and I have done many bad things in my life! Just know that I am just like you! We cyclops have a heart and soul, and we care for each other. Live your lives happily, and enjoy everything you have, because you never know when it might be taken from you! I may be a cyclops, but I am no monster! I.. am—a hero!"
Boom! The building collapsed on me and I heard a ringing. I was awoken by