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 persuades Odysseus' men by arguing that they would rather face the wrath of the gods than starve to death. He emphasizes that they could die from hunger while being stuck on the island, and suggests that it is better to risk punishment from Helios than to perish. Eurylochus appeals to their survival instincts, framing the act of slaughtering the cattle as a necessary means of sustenance.
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
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, a member of Odysseus's crew, convinced him to land on the isle of Helios against his better judgment. Despite Odysseus's warnings not to do so, the hungry and tired crew disobeyed and ended up bringing calamity upon themselves.
Odysseus is sleeping when the cattle are slaughtered.
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.
Odysseus lands on Helios' island because his men disobey his orders and slaughter Helios' sacred cattle for food while he is away. This act angers Helios, resulting in a punishment that further delays Odysseus' journey home.