In Greek mythology, Polyphemus is the giant Cyclops who was son to the sea god Poseidon and the nymph Thoosa. He is referenced to in Homer's Odyssey, when Odysseus and his men are shipwrecked on Polyphemus's island (Sicily) after the Trojan War. The giant trapped the men in his cave and commenced to eat them. After being given some strong wine, Polyphemus became drunk, and Odysseus poked his eye with a burning stick. While Polyphemus was in agonizing pain, Odysseus and his men clung to the bellies of sheep and escaped through disguise (Polyphemus being blinded couldn't see them, anyway). Poseidon punished Odysseus for his actions by causing him troubles in his journey home across the sea.