The hero who famously encountered the Cyclops Polyphemus is Odysseus, the protagonist of The Odyssey. During his journey home from the Trojan War, Odysseus and his men find themselves trapped in Polyphemus's cave. Through cunning and strategy, Odysseus blinds the Cyclops, ultimately escaping with his crew. This encounter emphasizes themes of intelligence over brute strength and the complexities of human ingenuity in the face of formidable challenges.