The Cyclops were represented as one-eyed giants in Greek mythology. Cyclops are also called Cyclopes.
According to the Greek epic poet Hesiod, the Cyclops were the sons of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth). The names of Hesiod's Cyclops were Argos, Steropes, and Brontes. The Cyclops, Titans, and Hecatonchires or hundred-handers may all have been children of Uranus and Gaia. Even though he was their father, Uranus had the nasty habit of keeping all his children imprisoned -- in Gaia.
When the Titan Cronus decided to help his mother, Gaia, by overthrowing his father, Uranus, the Cyclops assisted. For their favor, the fearful Cronus imprisoned them in Tartarus.
Zeus, overthrowing his father (Cronus) in turn, set the Cyclops free. Since they were metal workers and blacksmiths, they gave Zeus the gift of thunder and lightning as thanks. The Cyclops also gifted the gods Poseidon with a trident and Hades with the Helmet of Darkness.
Apollo slew the Cyclops after they struck his son Asclepius with lightning.
Besides Hesiod, the other major Greek epic poet and transmitter of Greek mythology was Homer. Homer's Cyclops are the sons of Poseidon. They share with Hesiod's Cyclops immense size, strength and the single eye. The giant Polyphemus, whom Odysseus encounters, is a cyclops.
plural: cyclopes, kyklopes, kuklopes.
