Mythology & Folklore (Engl-206) Sir Jaime M.

Forbes

Agbay, Noralyn G. II-ELLA 02.04.2017

Reader’s Response 5: The Cyclops Polyphemus

A changed being perhaps. Once strong, then weakened, miserably hopeless then abruptly

changed. Howbeit, change depends on how one would want it to be, either positive or negative.

As experiences hone us to who we would become. It takes brain, at times an apace wise move in

deed. If one wants to change the end, courage, heart and mind are crucial.

Polyphemus, a cyclops: hideous and huge; tall as great mountain crag; bigger than any God

and feared none of them. Just like the many of us, we changed because of varied circumstances

in our lives. Some may change from positive to negative and for some it is the other way around.

Though may brought by the impact of our experiences still, it is our choice. To Polyphemus, after

his dreadful experience caused by Odysseus, I may say, he had changed. Whilst grown milder, he

too became helpless suffering creature Odysseus had left. The next story about him, he was not

terrifying at all, but a most poor credulous monster. Whilst he fell in love with Galatea, sister of

Doris. Aside from being in love, singing mournful love song, he should have regained himself,

instead of just sitting wretched and helpless on the shore. He could do something useful to himself

or to his own kind as he is the favored son of Poseidon. He could have been better. Once I was

him, hopeless. But it tires me. For once I decided not to waste my life. That mine, not so good

experience, became a stepping stone to move up and forward. I meant not to forget that past. To

always remind me of who I want to become.

To Odysseus, I admire his being wise. In such scenario, frightened; had witnessed a

hideous death of his men; prisoned with a monster in a cave where escape was by luck. Though it

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took him time. Still, he was able to come up with a wise move. He did not allow the situation to

destroy him. Hope was there and he did not give up. How I wish I could always do the same, in

case. Though there was once, an instance in my past. I am glad and proud to say that for many

times I was Odysseus, but not all times I am. I could change my destiny if there is any. I could

talk to Him to let me do so. And up to this time I am, the one who decides on my end with His

permission and guidance of course. Unlike many people today who easily give up on their trial.

They tend to let the situation decide on what is going to happen to them, accept it as it is, without

even trying to change it.

We all have courage, heart and mind to begin, a many great change in our lives. So be it.

It is better to lose fighting than without even trying. Bear in mind that, change depends on us, how

we would want it to be. Though experiences may challenge us, we could always end it positively.

Apace wise move it is, for we all have courage, heart & mind within.

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