ABSTRACT
Two major tales are translated: Homer’s ‘luxury’ retelling of Odysseus and Polyphemus presents the trickster’s native wit against the traditionally stupid ogre, this time relying on his own cunning rather than divine aid: a rare blend of a giant-slayer tale-type with the subsidiary theme of false identity (No-man). Polyphemus is punished for his cannibalism and treachery, to say nothing of his violating the laws of hospitality and the sovereignty of Zeus. The tale of Master Thief is offered in three versions: the fairly full trickster tale as presented by Herodotus and set in Egypt, with the fairy tale motif of the resourceful scoundrel winning the hand of the princess for his virtuosity. This invites comparison with two inferior Greek versions assigned to Agamedes and Trophonius and showing signs of haste and inconsistency.
