Final answer:
Odysseus didn't kill Polyphemus right away because Polyphemus was the only one who could move the rock blocking the cave's exit, and Odysseus had to maintain respect for the rules of xenia, which required honorable conduct between host and guest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Odysseus, the wily hero of Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey,” couldn’t kill the Cyclops Polyphemus right away for a few key reasons. Firstly, Polyphemus was the only one who could move the giant stone that blocked the cave's entrance, which trapped Odysseus and his men inside.
Thus, killing Polyphemus would have meant sealing their own doom, as they would have been unable to escape. In addition, the ancient Greeks believed in the concept of xenia or guest-friendship, which demanded that both host and guest treat each other with respect and kindness.
Murdering Polyphemus outright without any strategy would have violated these sacred rules, potentially angering the gods. Instead, Odysseus devised a clever plan wherein he intoxicated Polyphemus and blinded him, ensuring that they could escape while the Cyclops was incapacitated.
The complete question is: Why can't Odysseus kill Polyphemus right away? is: