Odysseus and Aeneas
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Both The Odyssey and the Aeneid share some similarities as epics; both describe the trials of a heroic figure who is the ideal representative of a particular culture.
In The Odyssey, Odysseus encounters a one-eyed giant on his journey named Polyphemus in the land of the Cyclops. Before he even comes across Polyphemus, he and his men raid the abundant food in the cave. Afterwards, his men want to sail off but Odysseus insists on staying to challenge the hospitality of the creature, who proves to be no charming host. Odysseus is aware that some of his men may die in this process, but is pride is overpowering his cocky personality. Polyphemus scoffs at the concept of hospitality and welcomes his guests by devouring two for dinner and trapping the rest inside his cave for later. The Cyclops demands to know Odysseus' name, but he says it is "Nobody." Odysseus seizes the opportunity to grind a lance into the Cyclops' single eye, blinding him. Polyphemus cries for help, but when the other Cyclops arrive and ask who is killing him he answers "Nobody! Nobody is killing me!..