Disclaimer: While it is the intention of the foremost members of this website to keep pages as mythologically accurate as possible, this site should not be taken fully as mythical, legendary or folkloric canon (let alone as a resource for any paper, report or journal). Cite pages at your own peril. |
Origins[]
The Cyclops is one of a race of creatures with origins in Greek and Roman mythology, legend and folklore. The original three Cyclopes (Arges, Brontes and Steropes) were born to Gaia, the primordial Earth-Mother, and Ouranos, the ancient Sky-Father. Ouranos was disgusted by their appearance; as soon as he saw them, he imprisoned them away in the depths of Gaia's form. Later, the Titans overthrew Ouranos, but they shared their disgust for the Cyclopes, driving them even further into the Earth, even going so far as to imprison them in Tartarus.
It is only when the Olympian gods defeated them and sent them packing, that the Cyclopes were finally released from isolated imprisonment. In return, they forged weapons and various other treasures for the gods; they assisted the Olympian blacksmith, Hephaestus, in forging lightning bolts for Zeus, and also crafted Hades' Helm of Darkness and Poseidon's trademark Trident.
In later generations, another Cyclops, Polyphemus, lived on the island of Sicily. He was blinded by the wandering hero Odysseus, after he became stranded on his island.
Appearance[]
Behavior[]
Cyclops are vast, violent and have a certain hunger for human flesh. Never-the-less, they manage to make items of great artifice.
Abilities[]
Grand strength, durability and stamina are the gifts of a Cyclops. Like the Dwarves, they are skilled crafters of powerful artifacts.