One eye terror showdown : Polyphemus and Kabanth

• Polyphemus (Greek):

  • Past Life: Zero tragic backstory. Born a Cyclops – son of Poseidon, professional cave-squatter, and connoisseur of human tartare

  • The Eye: One giant forehead peeper, perfect for spotting Odysseus’ crew (then losing it to a heated stake).

  • "Redemption": None. Blinded, humiliated, and left screaming for daddy Poseidon to wreck Odysseus’ commute

  • Born monstrous. His "curse" was being a Cyclops in a world where Greek heroes treat you like a Michelin-starred buffet owner

  • Silver Lining: None. Just eternal infamy as the guy who fell for "Nobody."

  • Chillaxed in his Sicilian cave, herding sheep and violating sacred guest codes (RIP Odysseus’ crew).

  • Villainy: Casual cruelty. No grand schemes, just snacking on tourists 

  • Trapped Odysseus’ men → ate them → got blinded by a drunk "Nobody" → cried to Poseidon. Zero wisdom shared, only generational traum

  • Redemption/Punishment:  Eternal blindness, sheep bleats, and a cameo in Odysseus’ underworld slideshow

• Kabantha (Hindu):

• Vishnu’s rage = "No legs, no head, enjoy being a hangry piñata!" Forced to drag-torso through forests, shoving wildlife into his gaping maw 

• Silver Lining: Temporary.

• • Past Life: Arrogant Gandharva musician who tried to bully Lord Vishnu mid-date.

  • Curse: Transformed into a screeching torso with mile-long arms, a belly-mouth, and a single chest-eye scanning for snacks (humans preferred) 

  • Redemption Arc: Helped Rama and Lakshmana, spilled intel on Sita, and got a pyre-assisted upgrade back to celestial VIP status

  • Roamed Dandaka Forest like a territorial landfill. Not hiding – owning his dumpster-fire existence 

  • Villainy: Primal. Motivated by eternal hunger™, not world domination

  • Snatched Rama/Lakshmana → got disarmed (literally) → switched teams. Became a prophetic GPS ("Sita’s in Lanka! Seek monkeys!"). Earned a fiery exit to heaven 

  •  Redemption/Punishment :  Rama’s compassion + intel trade = curse lifted. Popped out of his monstrosity like a celestial butterfly

Moral of the Story

If you’re cursed into a one-eyed abomination, be useful. Heroes forgive anything if you give good directions. Also, avoid attacking gods on date night. Also Polyphemus is cautionary tale for all uncle-daddy wannabes.