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Because Polyphemus would have killed them all if they had. Odysseus had to use his wits to think up a brillant plan (to blind the Cyclops first) in which he would be able to escape with most of his men.

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14y ago
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3d ago

Odysseus' men do not kill Polyphemus the first time he kills one of their men because they fear retaliation due to the giant's strength and power. They also worry that they would be unable to move the massive boulder blocking the cave entrance, leaving them trapped inside and unable to escape. Additionally, they hope to outsmart Polyphemus by planning a way to blind him and escape.

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Q: Why do Odysseus men not kill Polyphemus the first time he kills one of their men?
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Why does Odysseus not kill polyphemus when he first gets the opportunity to do so?

Odysseus decides not to kill Polyphemus immediately because he knows that only Polyphemus can remove the boulder blocking the cave's entrance, needed for their escape. If he killed Polyphemus while he was asleep, they would be trapped inside the cave. Odysseus chooses to bide his time and come up with a plan to outsmart Polyphemus instead.


Why does odysseus not kill polyphemus?

Odysseus doesn't kill Polyphemus immediately because he needs him to move the giant's boulder from the entrance of his cave. Additionally, Odysseus hopes to escape being eaten by the cyclops and believes he has a better chance of surviving if he outwits Polyphemus rather than confronting him directly.


What second thoughts restrained Odysseus from stabbing polyphemus?

Odysseus did not kill Polyphemus outright, because then he and his men would be trapped in the cave, blocked by the large boulder at the entrance of the cave.


Why doesn't Odysseus stab Polyphemus the first night while the cyclops sleeps?

Odysseus doesn't stab Polyphemus the first night because he knows that he and his men would not be able to move the heavy boulder blocking the cave entrance without Polyphemus' help. If they kill him while he sleeps, they would be trapped inside the cave with no way to escape.


Why does Odysseus blind polyphemus rather than kill him?

Blinding Polyphemus allows Odysseus and his men to escape from the cave without being detected by Polyphemus. Killing him would have likely alerted the other Cyclopes and made their escape more difficult. Additionally, blinding him adds an extra layer of humiliation and revenge for the harm Polyphemus inflicted on Odysseus and his crew.

Related questions

What symbolizes when Odysseus kills the cyclops?

Odysseus did not kill the cyclops Polyphemus.


How many of Odysseus men did the cyclops kill?

Polyphemus kills and eats 6 of his men.2 the first night they are there,2 for breakfast and then 2 for dinner.


Did Polyphemus kill Odysseus?

yes polyphemus was mad odysseus and stabed him with a carving nife :)


When did Odysseus kill the cyclops?

Odysseus and his men blinded Polyphemus, but did not kill him.


Whom does Odysseus kill first?

he kills antinous


Why does odysseus not kill polyphemus?

Odysseus doesn't kill Polyphemus immediately because he needs him to move the giant's boulder from the entrance of his cave. Additionally, Odysseus hopes to escape being eaten by the cyclops and believes he has a better chance of surviving if he outwits Polyphemus rather than confronting him directly.


What year did Odysseus kill the cyclops?

The Greek myths have no chronology. Odysseus did not kill the cyclops Polyphemus.


Why does Odysseus not kill polyphemus when he first gets the opportunity to do so?

Odysseus decides not to kill Polyphemus immediately because he knows that only Polyphemus can remove the boulder blocking the cave's entrance, needed for their escape. If he killed Polyphemus while he was asleep, they would be trapped inside the cave. Odysseus chooses to bide his time and come up with a plan to outsmart Polyphemus instead.


How did Odysseus kill the cyclops Polyphemus?

Odysseus and his men blinded Polyphemus, but did not kill him. Odysseus and his men got Polyphemus (the cyclops) drunk on wine and while he was asleep they blinded him by poking him in the eye with a stick and then escaped by holding on underneath the sheep when he let them out of the cave to graze.


What second thoughts restrained Odysseus from stabbing polyphemus?

Odysseus did not kill Polyphemus outright, because then he and his men would be trapped in the cave, blocked by the large boulder at the entrance of the cave.


Why does Odysseus blind instead of kill the cyclops when he has a chance?

Blinding the cyclops instead of killing it allows Odysseus and his men to escape undetected, as they can only be released from the cave by the cyclops. If they had killed the cyclops, they would have been trapped in the cave with no way out. Blinding the cyclops is a strategic move to ensure their own safety and freedom.


Two examples of how polyphemus violates the rules of xenia?

Polyphemus violates the rules of Xenia because he keeps Odysseus and his men against his will. He also kills 6 of Odysseus's crew members, and that of course is violating xenia because you aren't supposed to make your guests unhappy and especially not kill them