The Cyclopes were minor power gods of the second generation and children of Uranus and Gaea according to Hesiod, or Greek god Poseidon and the sea Nymph Thoosa, according to Greek author Homer.

The Cyclopes were huge monsters with frightening features which liked to eat human beings. They were leading a debauched life and their works were always full of force, violence and intrigues.

Because of their dreadful features, the Cyclopes were initially locked in the depths of the Underworld by their father Uranus, but Greek Zeus soon decided to release them from their prison. They thanked Zeus by giving him the thunder and the lightning as a gift.

The Fame of the Cyclops

In general, the Cyclopes had the fame of being great workmen and were assisting Greek god Hephaestus in constructing the lightnings of Zeus under the volcano of Aetna in Italy. The Cyclopes were also constructing thick walls, known as "Cyclopean Walls".