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It is better to be killed by the gods then to die of starvation. Furthermore, they can sacrifice some of the cattle to appease the gods.
Eurylochus convinces Odysseus' men to eat the cattle of Helios by arguing that it is better to die by the hands of Helios than to starve to death. He questions Odysseus's authority and portrays their leader as selfish for not allowing them to eat the cattle. Eurylochus also plays on the men's fear and desperation, manipulating their emotions to make them disregard Odysseus's instructions.
Eurylochus persuades Odysseus to stop at Helios by arguing that it is better to face possible death by starvation on the sea than to perish from hunger on the ship. He also highlights the favorable condition of the island and the potential to find provisions there.
Eurylochus and the rest of the men
Eurylochus and the rest of the men
Eurylochus and the rest of the men
He tells the men that they will starve without eating Helios's cattle and that it is not honorable to die of starvation far from home and battle. He also takes advantage of Odysseus's absence.
Eurylochus convinces Odysseus and his crew to stop on Helios' island by explaining that they are in dire need of rest and supplies. He argues that they should take advantage of the island's resources before continuing their journey, despite the potential consequences of angering Helios.
Circe's final warning to Odysseus was to not slaughter Helios's cattle on Thrinacia
Eurylochus was more persuasive on the Island of Helios because he played on the fears and emotions of the crew, appealing to their immediate desires despite the consequences. In contrast, Odysseus tried to uphold discipline and loyalty to the gods, which didn't resonate with the crew's desperation. Eurylochus's persuasive tactics were more effective in this situation.
Eurylochus convinces the rest of the crew that slaughtering the cattle of Helios is preferable to continuing to starve. He argues that the gods will forgive them if they sacrifice some of the cattle to them. Zeus destroys their ship and leaves the men to drown; only Odysseus survives.
Helios is the sun god. Tiresias warned Odysseus that if anyone ate Helios's cattle, then he would return home alone, but after great hardship. His starving men, led by Eurylochus refused to listen and ate the cows while Odysseus was sleeping. Therefore, all the men die, and it takes Odysseus another 7 years to get home.