Polyphemus Lyrics - Epic: The Musical

Song Overview

Song Credits

• Artist: Jorge Rivera ?Herrans, Armando Julián & Steven Dookie
• Album: EPIC: The Cyclops Saga (Official Concept Album)
• Track #: 6 on EPIC: The Musical
• Writer/Composer: Jorge Rivera?Herrans
• Release Date: July 4, 2024
• Genre: Pop, Orchestral, Musical Theatre
• Language: English
• Label: Winion Entertainment LLC
• Instruments: Orchestral strings, dramatic percussion, layered vocals
• Phonographic Copyright (c) & Copyright © Winion Entertainment LLC

Song Meaning and Annotations

“Polyphemus” crashes into the narrative like a tidal wave of menace. It’s the sonic embodiment of mythic dread, centered on one of Homer’s most iconic episodes—the encounter between Odysseus and the Cyclops. But here, it’s no dry translation. It's fiery theatre, a psychological stand-off with a monstrous twist.

Before this track, we hear the slaughter of a sheep. In Full Speed Ahead, Eurylochus mentions that the fleet has run out of food. This is the reason they’re here.

In Open Arms, the Lotus Eaters told Polites about a cave with food. This is that cave.

At this point in Polyphemus, no one knows the Cyclops is here—not until he appears, likely after hearing Odysseus shoot his “favorite sheep.”

The food shortage was already established a few songs ago. Odysseus and Polites, directed by the Lotus Eaters, arrived at the Cyclops' island looking for food. They didn’t come to fight.

*The “danger is nearby” motif pulses through the cave air.* Right before Polyphemus steps out.

This moment also reveals Odysseus’s clever instincts — he senses the danger in a cave that looks too perfect, filled with food. Why hadn’t the Lotus Eaters taken the sheep?

Polyphemus is iconic in Greek mythology: a one-eyed giant, son of Poseidon and the nymph Thoosa. His name translates to “many-voiced” or “abounding in legend.”

In Homer’s Odyssey, he’s a man-eater — savage and brutal. In EPIC, that menace is preserved.

If his voice sounds distorted — that’s by design. In EPIC, more magic equals more electronic sound.

This moment reminds us: Odysseus and his men only came for food. They didn’t intend to provoke the Cyclops.

Polyphemus’s instrument is a cello, with a synth backing — a blend of nature and godhood. He’s not just a Cyclops. He’s divine.

In Homer, Odysseus doesn’t provoke him — the Cyclops simply sees humans as prey.

It was his favorite sheep. Odysseus unknowingly took something precious. Polyphemus grieves.

You’ll reap what you sow.

His sheer size — and his single eye — are emphasized. A living threat.

One line from Polyphemus echoes Poseidon’s in Ruthlessness:

But before you go, I need to make you learn how.

This idea of karmic justice pushes Odysseus to the edge, toward the monster he fears becoming.

Another layer: in the Ithaca Saga, Odysseus sees the suitors as intruders.

You came to my home to steal.

Now you’ll become my meal.

Polyphemus sees the sheep’s death as murder. Killing Odysseus’s friend in return feels like justice.

a technical truth here. The Lotus Eaters never said the food was guarded. The sheep seemed abandoned.

Odysseus’s courage shines — even now, he turns the threat into an escape plan. His mind remains his strongest weapon.

The wine he uses comes from Ismarus, where he spared a priest. In return, Maron gifted him their best wine.

It’s sweet, dangerously strong. So powerful it needs heavy dilution — typical for offerings to gods.

Odysseus brings this wine with him — just in case. And it pays off.

Later in Remember Them, we learn he mixed lotus into the drink.

Polyphemus drinks it raw — cup after cup. Odysseus smiles.

Lines mirror each other:

Have a drink.

Time to drink.

The power that’s in your hands.

Your life now is in my hand.

Symmetry is a recurring theme throughout the Cyclops saga.

Have a drink.

One sip and you’ll understand. The power that’s in your hands.

Hidden meaning — the lotus-laced wine will sedate him. But Polyphemus doesn’t know that.

This tactic mirrors Hermes in Wouldn’t You Like:

Wouldn’t you like a taste of the power?

Lotus Fruit is sweet, addictive — a narcotic. Once tasted, flesh may never tempt again.

Odysseus reframes the story. Not theft — a gift. Not robbery — a tribute.

You gave it to us.

*Polyphemus grits his teeth.*

Stranger, what’s your name?

Odysseus replies — but under his breath, softly, he mutters the f-word.

And yes — his name is Nobody. Just like in Homer’s version. The trick is set.

The “danger is nearby” motif returns — altered, distant, almost buried in the choir.

Polyphemus isn’t the last to threaten Odysseus, but his warning will echo. Only Odysseus survives this saga.

From here, the crew’s battle with the Cyclops begins — and the descent truly starts.

Scene Setup & Tension

The song begins with eerie calm. The crew is giddy over sheep and food, oblivious to the looming danger. Their delight is interrupted by a guttural voice: Polyphemus, a one-eyed force of fury, who grieves for a sheep they killed. His lines:

You killed my sheep, my favorite sheep / What gives you the right to deal a pain so deep?

These aren’t just threats—they’re a grief-soaked indictment. He isn’t just a monster. He’s a wronged host, and he speaks with shocking clarity. The orchestration swells beneath his anger like waves crashing on rock.

Negotiation & Trickery

Odysseus tries to shift gears, switching from survivor to strategist. He offers wine—a distraction and a trap:

One sip and you'll understand / The power that's in your hands

This wine becomes both a literal sedative and a symbolic lever. It’s Greek cunning distilled into red liquid. When the Cyclops drinks, the tension flickers—just long enough for Odysseus to lie about his name:

My name is Nobody, Nobody, Nobody

That line becomes the fulcrum of the song. It’s absurd, brilliant, and cruel. When Polyphemus cries out later, no one will come—because “Nobody” hurt him. That irony gives the song its teeth.

Finale & Foreshadowing

The final verse spins again. Polyphemus smiles—then snaps:

Yes, you shall be the final man to die

It’s a cold twist. The trick didn’t quite work yet. The song ends mid-chaos, a sound of scrambling feet, a warning cry. The curtain drops on cliff-edge tension.

Similar Songs

1. "Monster" – Jorge Rivera-Herrans: Shares the intense psychological tone, but dives into inner torment rather than outward rage. Both tracks play with perception—who’s really the monster, and why?
2. "Thunder Bringer" – Jorge Rivera-Herrans: Features godlike wrath and thunderous instrumentation. Both songs give their villains rich characterization through voice and melody rather than caricature.
3. "Wouldn’t You Like" – Jorge Rivera-Herrans: A sneaky, seductive number that, like “Polyphemus,” centers on manipulation. Where Polyphemus is brute force with unexpected sorrow, this track uses charm to beguile its victims.

Questions and Answers

What is the main conflict in “Polyphemus”?

It’s a deadly misunderstanding. Odysseus’s crew unwittingly provokes a vengeful Cyclops by trespassing and killing a cherished sheep. It spirals into a battle of wits and survival.

Why does Odysseus call himself “Nobody”?

It’s a famous Homeric trick. By using this false name, Odysseus ensures that when Polyphemus calls for help, he’ll sound like a madman—claiming “Nobody” is hurting him.

Is Polyphemus a villain or victim?

He’s both. The song paints him as a brute, yes, but also a grieving creature whose rage stems from loss. He becomes more complex than just a monster.

What does the wine symbolize?

It’s a symbol of civilization and deceit. The Greeks use wine not just as a gift but a weapon—sweet, disarming, and ultimately subversive.

How does the music enhance the scene?

With rising tension, deep orchestral pulses, and sudden silences, the composition mirrors the psychological escalation. It’s not just storytelling—it’s suspense in sound.

Fan and Media Reactions

“Polyphemus” lit up fans for its theatrical gravitas and villain complexity. Here’s what listeners had to say:

“This is the moment I realized the villains in EPIC aren’t just evil—they’re tragic.”

“Polyphemus legit scared me. That delivery, the voice, the buildup—it’s terrifying.”

“The wine scene was brilliant. I forgot how clever Odysseus was until that moment.”

“Nobody. Just... Nobody. That line gave me chills.”

“It's not just a song. It’s a play within a song. A mini opera.”

Clearly, the track’s blend of intensity, cleverness, and tragedy has carved it deep into listeners’ memory. It’s more than just an adaptation—it’s an operatic monster story with heart.