Question

When Odysseus gives Polyphemus his real name, why does this cause trouble?

Answer 1

The correct answer is "Polyphemus then told his father Poseidon who had blinded him, and thus Odysseus and his crew suffered dreadfully from Poseidon's curse."

First, Odysseus told Polyphemus that his name was Nobody in order to prevent him from calling for help. This proves helpful when Odysseus blinds him and since he screams "Nobody is killing me" nobody helps him. But after Odysseus manages to blind him and escape, he admitts reveals his true name. This revelation allows Polyphemus to curse him and his father Poseidon sends a storm that wrecks Odysseus ship, and if he is able to arrive to Ithaca, the curse says that it will only be possible after spending years in the sea and losing all his companions.