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Numerous stories within fantasy depict the protagonist exploring various lands and courageously battling all kinds of monsters, whether they be out in the world or in dungeons. These monsters come in all sizes, from the small bat to a colossal dragon that blots out the sunlight. One of these monsters, the fantasy cyclops, is not to be sneezed at, for it contains several things not many others have.
What truly sets the cyclops apart from the others isn’t its massive muscular build but the fact that has just one eye. While this might seem to present a disadvantage, especially compared to the ubiquitous two-eyed creatures that roam the land, believe it or not, it is actually an advantage, one it uses to great effect. This becomes apparent when it is in battle, whether it be hunting prey or trying to eliminate a threat.
The fantasy cyclops having just one eye overshadows what it is capable of and it can more things than you think it can. It having a muscular body enables it to perform actions that not many monsters or people can, which only compounds the threat it poses, especially when it decides to attack a town or hamlet. When enraged, it leaves a trail of destruction in its wake.
Interestingly enough, this one-eyed demon can make itself home in just about any type of environment. From the high altitude of the mountains to the sandy beaches right next to the oceans, this beast appears in a wide variety of locales, making it a semi-common threat, one many travelers ought to be aware of, lest they wind up crossing paths with one.
This is the twenty-eighth article in the series delving into the creatures that populate the fantasy genre. Curious to see what else we have? Mosey on over to our blog page where there’s a medley of fantastic articles you can peruse at your leisure! May they be of great help as you endeavor to bring your fantasy world to life!
The cyclops is a common element of the genre, appearing in many worlds such as Hyrule. Though its appearance varies from one world to another, there is one particular characteristic that carries over, no matter what. And this characteristic is precisely why it’s earned its name.
The fantasy cyclops is known for having just one eye. Located above its nose and mouth, the eye, considerably larger than its two-eyed counterparts, is the one thing it relies on the most. It enables it to perform actions vital to survival, from hunting to eating to seeking shelter. Since it is so dependent on its eye, this monster will go to great lengths to protect it, even killing those who attempt to blind it.
At first glance, it having just one eye makes it seem like a disadvantage which isn’t the case at all. For instance, it can spot objects and people further away than many creatures who have two eyes, which gives it more time to prepare itself for battle or to make a move. It can also use it to detect sudden movements from a further distance, detecting small and subtle changes in its immediate environment earlier than many others.
When the fantasy cyclops is engaged in battle, the advantage of having just one eye kicks in. While its opponent may only have one eye to blind, the monster makes it far more difficult for him to make it happen. It can use just one hand to shield it or wear some kind of covering that significantly reduces the chances that its foe can successfully land a hit on its eye, enabling it to use its girth to inflict great damage upon him without fear of having its eye be temporarily out of commission.
While it having one eye might be its main attraction, the cyclops has other things going for it. Things that make it a powerhouse both in battle and out. Whenever a traveler crosses paths with one, there are several things about it he should know, lest he be pulverized to a pulp or become its next meal.
The fantasy cyclops is a muscular monster, seen by its many muscles on its arms and body. It is so strong that it can pull a tree right out of the ground with relative ease and use it as a weapon. Even more frightening, it tosses heavy rocks around like it’s no problem, meaning its foe ought to pay close attention as to where it is aiming them; those who aren’t paying attention will get flattened before they know it.
Another thing about this beast is that it is quite tall by monster standards. In many of the stories it appears in, the cyclops is depicted as a giant, towering over many other creatures. Its height exceeds that of a decent number of trees which is one reason why it can just effortlessly rip them out of the ground.
In battle, the fantasy cyclops is not to be taken lightly. Though it may move slowly due to its massive bulk, it truly packs a punch. Why, just one slap with a hand can send an opponent flying halfway across the world! If it is lucky enough to wrap its fingers around its foe, it can squeeze its life out of it in just a number of seconds.
Before it engages in combat, the beast lets out a snarl that sends chills down the spine of all nearby creatures. The snarl serves a twofold purpose: one to give its enemy a chance to leave should he value his life or to amp up its anger, as if focusing it for the imminent skirmish. In the latter, having laser-sharp focus enables it to use its full power against its opponent to make it as short of a battle as possible.
The cyclops is a semi-common monster due to it choosing to live in solitude. That doesn’t necessarily signify a traveler won’t encounter one on the road to his next destination. Interestingly enough, this demon isn’t picky about where it calls home, meaning it can be found in a wide variety of environments which increases the odds someone will cross paths with it.
One likely place a fantasy cyclops can appear is the plains. It likes places that offer it great visibility with few obstructions. Unfortunately, it sticks out like a sore thumb due to its massive size and many animals deliberately avoid the spot it takes as its territory.
The fantasy cyclops also likes places that provide it with the things it needs for survival and the forest is top of the list. It can hunt the other animals, provided they haven’t already fled it, use the trees as cover and shelter from the elements, and drink water whenever it is thirsty. It can use tree branches and leaves as a nest in which to make it feel right at home.
Unlike many dark-based monsters, this one-eyed beast has no problems with light as it can roam around in the middle of the day with no problems whatsoever. Places that get abundant sunshine such as beaches and cliffs are excellent candidates for it to take as its residence.
Despite it having no problems living out in the sunlight, the fantasy cyclops can also appear in those steeped in darkness. Caves and abandoned mines come to mind and the darkness only heightens the threat it poses since it can hear intruders from a great distance away and it being pitch-black doesn’t impair its vision at all.
In the final analysis, the cyclops is an interesting specimen to include in the world. Its one eye notwithstanding, it is a force to be reckoned with in terms of physical strength. This is a vicious, savage brute that enjoys breaking things asunder and is one of many reasons why you should bring it into your story and world!
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