I'm too tired and lazy (sadly) to draw a Polyphemus design so have some lore.
Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon. A Cyclops. Though he may be a villain in Odysseus' story, he isn't in mine. He was the victim. Before some of you people go saying 'He killed Odysseus' men!' or 'He ate multiple people of Ody's crew!' Yes. I know. And I will eventually get to that.
Now.. Where was I? Ah, yes, he's the victim in my story, and his own. He was the youngest of Poseidon's children. He was also the youngest of the cyclops' and he was often bullied and mistreated by the others. Poseidon would help when he could, often scaring off the other cyclops or sitting in Polyphemus' cave at night as they listened to the soft waves outside of it. I know the caves are pictured as on top of the island and nowhere near the shore, but Polyphemus' cave was. It was on the other side of the others' caves and the island actually sloped down towards his cave.
Anyway, when Odysseus came into his home, Polyphemus had a reason to be scared and angry. I mean, these were total strangers coming into his home, killing one of his beloved animals, and eating his food. Polyphemus doesn't quite understand the concept of mercy or forgiveness. Again, he's the youngest and he's always picked on and beat by the other Cyclops. So Poly only really has the idea of hurt or be hurt. Kill or be killed. Ody drugged him, first off. Second, Poly was a minor as well so Ody was in the wrong for giving him wine. Of course, I'll give it to Ody, how was he supposed to know Polyphemus was a minor? That's fine. It didn't do much. But putting Lotus in the wine knowing it can make a person forget about home? That's harsh and most definitely wrong.
So, after the whole stabbing the eye incident, taking the sheep, and also teasing Polyphemus, Poly of course called upon his father, Poseidon. Poly cried and sobbed to his father, knowing he would help, and like any good father, he does. While Poseidon's away, Polyphemus goes to the others, hoping they help, and they do, but only out of guilt. They patch Polyphemus' eye and hold him for a little.
This is where I put a twist in the story. After a few hours, the lotus kicks in. Since we have no idea how much Ody put in the wine, anyone can assume whatever amount. I'm going to assume a lot because why not? Anyway, the lotus kicks in and Polyphemus forgets who these other people are and where he is. Since he can't see, he starts panicking. He backs away, crying out to his father, but Poseidon's dealing with Ody's crew right now and can't come. Polyphemus, thinking Poseidon's avoiding him or is mad at him and won't come, he runs to his cave. Remembering the path there. He searches for his support, his sheep. He panics more when he can't and thinks Poseidon took them away as punishment for something.
Polyphemus sits in his cave and sobs, not knowing what to do. Poseidon doesn't come, Polyphemus has no way of eating after a week of eating only cheese or whatever he has in food in his cave. Poseidon doesn't know, he's chasing Odysseus across the seas. Polyphemus can't see, so he can't fish. The other cyclops ignore him. After two weeks without food, Polyphemus sadly passes from starvation near the entrance of his cave. Alone and sad.
THIS IS SO GOOD BUT AUGH… WARN ME BFORE YOU HIT ME WITH A BRICK.. SOBS 😔😔☹️ /silly