Cyclops in Greek Mythology

Definition: 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), and their names were Argos, Steropes, and Brontes. Cyclops, titans, and Hecatonchires or hundred-handers may all have been children of Uranus and Gaia, but Uranus had the nasty habit of keeping all his children imprisoned -- in Gaia.

When Cronus decided to help his mother by overthrowing his father, the Cyclops assisted. For their favor, 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. 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.

Pronunciation: /saɪ.klaps/

Also Known As: one-eyed giants

Alternate Spellings: singular: kyklops, kuklops.

plural: cyclopes, kyklopes, kuklopes.

Common Misspellings: syclops