in fabulous history, the sons of Neptune and Amphitrite; the principal of whom were Brontes, Steropes, and Persaces; but their whole number amounted to above a hundred. Jupiter threw them into Tartarus as soon as they were born; but they were delivered at the intercession of Tellus, and became the assistants of Vulcan. They were of prodigious stature, and had each only one eye, which was placed in the middle of their foreheads.

Some mythologists say, that the Cyclops signify the vapours raised in the air, which occasion thunder and lightning: on which account they are represented as forging the thunderbolts of Jupiter. Others represent them as the first inhabitants of Sicily, who were cruel, of a gigantic form, and dwelt round Mount Etna.