Cyclops Polyphemus pleaded with Odysseus to return to the island. At first glance, because he wanted to befriend him and wished him only well. However, Polyphemus wanted to deceive Odysseus to avenge his pierced eye. He would tell him about the ancient prophecy that, according to him, came true.
Detailed answer:
Odysseus is a hero of ancient Greek mythology. He was the king of Ithaca. Also, he was a famous participant in the Trojan War. Odysseus’s adventures were described in many literary works. The most famous one was Homer’s Odyssey. Cyclops Island’s story deserves special attention. Odysseus’s conflict with the Cyclops Polyphemus reveals the vibrant Odysseus’s character. It presents the difficulties the hero experienced on a journey back home.
The story begins with Odysseus’s arrival to the island. It was located near the lands the giants called Cyclops. Odysseus’s team explored the island. They found an unattended cave filled with milking implements, lambs, cheese, and milk. The cave host appeared to be an enormous Cyclops named Polyphemus. He was a son of the sea god Poseidon. The Cyclops did not show appropriate hospitality. Instead, he closed the cave entrance with an immense stone. Then, he ate several of Odysseus’s friends.
Odysseus’s intelligence and skills helped his team to escape from the lair of the monster. Odysseus drank the Cyclops and blinded him. The whole crew returned to the ship. However, Odysseus called out to the Cyclops and became taunting him. In response, Polyphemus roared with anger. With that, he cast a massive block in the direction of the ship. When this did not help, he started to tell the ancient prophecy. He promised Odysseus gifts and his prayers for him to Poseidon. Odysseus did not believe the Cyclops. He understood that he was trying to seduce him by deception to avenge his eye. Hence, the invitation of the Cyclops was only a snare for Odysseus.