the phrase "las tienes abrazadas"

Question

I'm translated the following:

Los sueños de ayer las buscan pero las tiene abrazadas

as The dreams of yesterday chase them but they have embraced a Polyphemus of gold.

However, the translator of the poem has the second part of the sentence as "but they are held fast by a golden Polyphemus".

I've tried to parse "tiene abrazadas" but have been unsuccessful.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, K.

Answer 1

Los sueños de ayer las buscan pero las tiene abrazadas

My guess:

"los sueños de ayer" is the direct object of the verb "buscan" and must be accompanied by the direct object pronoun "las" because it precedes the verb, and the subject is a group of people.

the direct object of "tiene" is "las" refering to the group of people (personas), the subject is the god who has them held tight (tiene abrazadas).

Answer 2

klcease,

Would that not be present perfect, third person of abrazar?

han abrazado

Just a thought.