The one-eyed giant in Greek mythology, famously defeated by Odysseus, is Polyphemus. A Cyclops son of Poseidon, Polyphemus captures Odysseus and his men, but Odysseus devises a clever plan to blind him and escape. This encounter exemplifies themes of bravery, cunning, and the unpredictability of the gods' favor. Polyphemus represents the wildness of nature, contrasting with civilization and order as depicted by Odysseus's strategic thinking.