In order to trick the Cyclops, what name does Odysseus adopt?

In order to trick the Cyclops, what name does Odysseus adopt?

• A. No Man
• B. Odysseus
• C. Nobody
• D. Zeus

Answer: (C)

Odysseus relies on a simple but clever trick: a harmless-sounding name that turns into a misdirection. He tells Polyphemus his name is Nobody. When Polyphemus is blinded, he calls for help and says that Nobody is hurting him. The other Cyclopes interpret this as no one is harming him, so they don’t come to his aid. That pause in assistance gives Odysseus a chance to escape. In some translations this name appears as No Man, but the same idea applies—the pun on a name meaning “no one” is what makes the ruse effective.

Odysseus relies on a simple but clever trick: a harmless-sounding name that turns into a misdirection. He tells Polyphemus his name is Nobody. When Polyphemus is blinded, he calls for help and says that Nobody is hurting him. The other Cyclopes interpret this as no one is harming him, so they don’t come to his aid. That pause in assistance gives Odysseus a chance to escape. In some translations this name appears as No Man, but the same idea applies—the pun on a name meaning “no one” is what makes the ruse effective.