Thoosa
nymphSea nymph and mother of the Cyclops Polyphemus.
The Myth
Thoosa was a daughter of the sea god Phorcys, and her name means "the swift one." She bore Polyphemus to Poseidon, making the famous one-eyed giant both a child of the sea and of the earth. When Odysseus blinded Polyphemus, it was Thoosa's relationship with Poseidon that explained the sea god's relentless persecution of Odysseus across the Mediterranean. Though mentioned only briefly in Homer, Thoosa is the hidden link that connects the Cyclops episode to Odysseus's decade of wandering.
Parents
Phorcys
Children
Symbols
Fun Fact
Without Thoosa, there is no wrath of Poseidon — she is arguably the most consequential minor character in the entire Odyssey.
Explore Further
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