1 of 7

Write now Article Tools

It is amazing how much of Greek mythology still resonates in the modern consciousness. Ask someone what a Cyclops is, and most people will speak of a giant with a single eye. That is an almost perfect answer in its simplest terms.

The name Cyclops can be roughly translated as round', ring' or wheel-eyed', and is an apt description. Greek writers would describe them as strong and stubborn giants, bearing a single round eye in the middle of the forehead. In Greek mythology there are two distinct generations of the Cyclopes, plural of Cyclops. The oldest generation predates Zeus' generation of Olympian gods.

It is the first generation that plays a bigger role in Greek mythology, although it is the second generation that is perhaps better known to the casual reader. The first Cyclopes were a trio of brothers, Arges, Brontes and Steropes. Sons of Uranus and Gaea, they were siblings to the other giants, the Hecatonchires, the hundred-handed ones', and the Titans.

Uranus fearful of the power and strength of his offspring kept them locked up. The Cyclopes and Hecatonchires were imprisoned in Tarterus, the deepest stretches of the Underworld. The Titans were kept inside the womb of Gaea. The Cyclopes, within Tarterus, slowly developed great blacksmithing skills.

When the Cronus and the other Titans revolted against their father, the Cyclopes and Hecatonchires were released from their imprisonment. Cronus though was as equally unsure of his position, as Uranus, his father had been. Cronus, in place as supreme ruler, was fearful of his siblings' immense strength, and so after only a short period of freedom, the Cyclopes found themselves back in Tarterus. This time they were not alone, to confirm their confinement Cronus had them guarded by Campe, a female dragon.

As supreme leader, Cronus was having his own problems, to avoid a prophecy of his own downfall, he was swallowing his own offspring as soon as they were born. With Rhea Cronus had six children, Demeter, Hestia, Hera, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus. Zeus would have followed the others into the stomach of Cronus but Rhea, with the assistance of Gaea, substituted a stone wrapped in baby clothes for him.

Zeus grew up on Crete before returning to land of Cronus. There with the help of Metis, the offspring of Oceanus, he tricked Cronus into taking a potion that regurgitated Zeus' siblings. With his siblings by his side, Zeus then led a revolt against Cronus and the other Titans. To aid in his revolt Zeus released the Cyclopes

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Greek mythology: the Cyclopes?
We want to hear your view. Write now!