What physical disability did Demodocus, Phineus, and Polyphemus share after Odysseus's arrival?

The correct answer is blindness, which pertains specifically to the character Polyphemus in the context of Homer's "Odyssey." After Odysseus cleverly blinds the cyclops Polyphemus, he loses his ability to see, which is a pivotal moment in the narrative that illustrates the theme of trickery and the consequences of hubris.

Demodocus, while not literally blind in the traditional sense, is described as a blind bard, symbolizing his heightened creative and poetic abilities despite his lack of physical sight. This aligns with the theme that those who may lack certain physical capabilities can possess other forms of insight or skill. Phineas, from a different mythological context, is often depicted as having been blinded by the gods as punishment, leading to his reliance on prophetic abilities.

Thus, the shared characteristic of blindness among these figures reflects a deeper understanding of how their physical conditions relate to their narratives and roles within their respective stories. These instances of blindness also signify a kind of insight—be it prophetic vision, musical inspiration, or learning through adversity—that resonates with their experiences in the tales of Odysseus’s journey.