Odysseus tells Polyphemus that his name is no one, nobody, or outis (in Greek). At the outset, this seems like a confusing course of action. Why does it matter if Odysseus reveals his true identity to the Cyclops? Odysseus, thanks to his cunning wisdom, has the foresight to know what will happen as he tries to leave the cave.
In Book 9, line 366, Odysseus says:
"Cyclops, you asked my noble name, and I will tell it; but do you give the stranger's gift, just as you promised. My name is Nobody. Nobody I am called by mother, father, and by all my comrades."
Polyphemus responds in line 370:
"Nobody I eat up last, after his comrades; all the rest first; and that shall be the stranger's gift for you."
From this line, the reader can begin to understand Odysseus' plan. By claiming he is "nobody," he, Odysseus, cannot be blamed for the actions to come.
When Odysseus blinds Polyphemus and he and his remaining men escape on the underbellies of the Cyclops' sheep, Polyphemus yells:
"Friends, Nobody is murdering me by craft. Force there is none. But answering him in winged words they said: If nobody harms you when you are left alone, illness which comes from mighty Zeus you cannot fly. But make your prayer to your father, lord Poseidon."
Polyphemus tells his cyclops friends that "no one" is killing him, which they take to mean Polyphemus is fine. And with Polyphemus raging and ranting, the other cyclops are distracted and Odysseus and his men escape to their ship.
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