This only outrages the giant as he tries to crush the boat by launching rocks into the sea.
"Kyklops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes son whose home's on Ithaka!"(315).
As you can see, Odysseus almost brings death to his men from his growing ego of blinding the giant, however that is not it; because of his bravery in revealing himself too early to Polyphemos, he prays to his father Poseidon to cast a spell, so to speak, and keep Odysseus from returning to his homeland. This seems to teach Odysseus a lesson because it in fact does keep him from returning to his homeland for a very long time.
Since Odysseus is on the Isle of Phaikia, telling the Phaikians the story of the Kyklopes, it reminds him too hold back his egotistical ways and not reveal himself too early. The Phaikians are the most civilized, sea baring people of the world and they are the people of Poseidon, which if Odysseus does end up revealing himself too soon, he could end up with one of two outcomes. Either the Phaikians could outcast him since they are Poseidon's people and Polyphemos is the son of Poseidon, or they could sympathize with him and offer help if and only if he reveals himself at the right time. .
Smith3.
Since we have learned that the queen of the Phaikians is the true leader, Odysseus knows .
he must get her support first before he reveals himself. This is a great sign of wisdom .
from Odysseus to gain the Queen's encouragement and he does so brilliantly through this story of himself. Now Odysseus has picked the perfect time to reveal himself because he has gained the Queens respect and has a very attentive crowd on his hands. Waiting for this perfect time to reveal himself shows us that Odysseus has indeed learned from his mistakes with Polyphemos, and also shows us he has the patience needed to sit through and watch the suitors ravage his home, while he plots their death.
