On a mythical journey, ____ blinded Polyphemus, a cyclops (8)

I believe the answer is:

odysseus

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'cyclops' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for odysseus that I've seen before include "Homer's mythical Greek hero" , "Ancient king" , "Voyager" , "Greek name for Ulysses" , "Homer's wandering hero" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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