Polyphemus / Myth. Short summary

5 seconds

Cyclops Polyphemus fell in love with the beautiful Nereid Galatea. But the daughter of Nereus rejected the advances of the unattractive giant. Then in a fit of jealousy Cyclops killed the nereid’s favourite, Akidas.

1 minute

In a cave on the rocky seashore lived Polyphemus. He was enormous in size, his body was covered with wool, and a black eyebrow hung over his only eye from one ear to the other. Polyphemus herded his many flocks of sheep across the green slopes and meadows every day.

One day on the shore Cyclops saw the beautiful nereid Galatea. The giant immediately fell in love with the girl, captivated by her beauty. He told Galatea of his feelings, but the nereid rejected his advances. For a long time Cyclus suffered from unrequited love. He forgot about his flocks, which had to walk alone in the fields and forests.

One day Polyphemus saw his beloved with the shepherd Aquidas. The beautiful young man became the chosen one of the hard-hearted Galatea. Jealousy boiled over in the giant’s heart. He pursued his rival. When he overtook him the Cyclops torn a large stone from the rock and threw it at Aquidas.

The gods of the ocean took pity on the poor shepherd who had fallen prey to the giant’s jealousy. They turned him into a mountain stream with ringing, cool water.