What is Hephaestus' role in the Iliad?
Hephaestus was once banned from Olympus because of his ugly face and lame legs. He was considered an affront the rest of the beautiful gods. Hephaestus was later readmitted into Olympus once he proved his usefulness as the forger of the weapons of the gods. Hephaestus favors the Greeks and makes new armor for Achilles in Book 18 of the Iliad.
Is Athena a bad goddess?
Athena appears a lot is hero myths, mainly Perseus and Heracles. And since they are heroes, Athena is widely considered a good goddess. However, the reason that there is a lot of discourse surrounding her characterisation nowadays is because of Ovid's Metamorphoses, which was written around 0 B.C/A.D.
What role does Odysseus play in the Iliad?
What role does Odysseus play in the Iliad? In the Iliad, Odysseus appears as the man best suited to cope with crises in personal relations among the Greeks, and he plays a leading part in achieving the reconciliation between Agamemnon and Achilles .
Does the Iliad come before the Odyssey?
[1] "The consensus is that "the Iliad and the Odyssey date from around the 8th century BC, the Iliad being composed before the Odyssey, perhaps by some decades" says Homer citing Vidal-Naquet, Pierre (2000). Le monde d'Homère. Perrin. p. 19.
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Who does Athena favor in the Iliad?
AchaiansAphrodite also joins in the fighting in this book, revealing her partisanship for the Trojans. She stands in contrast to Hera and Athena who favor the Achaians. Aphrodite sides with the Trojans because of Paris who had selected her as the most beautiful goddess (see Background to the Epic).
Who did Athena help in the Trojan War?
AchillesAthena was a major protagonist in Homer's account of the Trojan War in the Iliad where she supports the Achaeans and their heroes, especially Achilles, to whom she gives encouragement and wise counsel, Menelaos, who is saved from the arrow of Pandaros, and Diomedes, whose spear, in one notable episode, is diverted to ...
Who did Athena help?
Athena was the patron goddess of heroic endeavor; she was believed to have aided the heroes Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, and Jason. Along with Aphrodite and Hera, Athena was one of the three goddesses whose feud resulted in the beginning of the Trojan War.
Did Athena help Achilles?
In the Iliad, Athena helps Achilles to kill Hector by persuading him to not flee from Hector, but to turn and fight him. She then disguises Achilles as someone Hector knows who is an ally to him.
How did Athena intervene in the Iliad?
In The Iliad, Athena uses supernatural intervention to interfere with mortal warfare; she assists and favors select heroes, like Odysseus, in which she honors them with kleos (glory) for accommodation in war.
Did Athena support the Greeks or Trojans?
GODS who favored the Greeks included: Hera, Athena, and Thetis. GODS who were uncommitted were: Zeus, Hades, Hermes, Iris, Persephone and Demeter. GODS who supported the Trojans were: Aphrodite, Apollo, Poseidon, and (for a while) Athena.
How did Athena get pregnant?
Hephaistos had a strong desire for Athena, but as a virgin goddess she ran away from him. He was not able to catch her – but he ejaculated and the seed fell on her leg. She wiped it away with a piece of wool and the seed fell on Gaia, the Earth, making her pregnant.
Why did Athena help Perseus?
2:015:21Why did Athena Help Perseus Kill Medusa? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo why exactly did Athena help Perseus. After she had already helped Medusa. First of all with SinaMoreSo why exactly did Athena help Perseus. After she had already helped Medusa. First of all with Sina was a hero's patron. And Perseus. Wasn't just any hero. He was also her half-brother.
Who was Athena in love with?
Hephaestus - the divine husband of Athena.
How does Athena help the Greeks Iliad?
In Homer's Iliad, Athena, as a war goddess, inspires and fights alongside the Greek heroes; her aid is synonymous with military prowess. Also in the Iliad, Zeus, the chief god, specifically assigns the sphere of war to Ares, the god of war, and Athena.
Why does Athena help Diomedes?
Summary: Book 5 As the battle rages, Pandarus wounds the Achaean hero Diomedes. Diomedes prays to Athena for revenge, and the goddess endows him with superhuman strength and the extraordinary power to discern gods on the field of battle. She warns him, however, not to challenge any of them except Aphrodite.
Why did Athena stop Achilles from killing Agamemnon?
Athena visits Achilles to prevent him from killing Agamemnon when Agamemnon decides to take Achilles war prize for himself, a woman named Breseis. If Achilles were to kill Agamemnon, he would be dishonored. In addition to this, he would also greatly displease the gods.
Did Athena help with the Trojan horse?
he then led an army to Troy and held the city of Troy under a 10 year siege. The siege was not getting the desired results So Agamemnon with the help of Athena, and Odysseus and some others made the plan of the Trojan Horse.
Why did Athena help the Greeks in the Trojan War?
She wants to see Troy destroyed and argues strongly to reignite the war. Zeus, swayed by Hera, sends Athena to start the fighting again.
Why does Athena help Diomedes during the Trojan War?
Diomedes prays to Athena for revenge, and the goddess endows him with superhuman strength and the extraordinary power to discern gods on the field of battle. She warns him, however, not to challenge any of them except Aphrodite. Diomedes fights like a man possessed, slaughtering all Trojans he meets.
Why is Athena against the Trojans?
Without her help they were lost and had best depart. But to get home safely they had to have a human sacrifice, and Sinon was chosen, yet he got away and hid. The horse had been left to placate the angry goddess, and the Greeks were hoping the Trojans would desecrate it, earning Athena's hatred.
How Does Athena Help Odysseus?
The gods play an important role in Homer’s Odyssey, but none is more present or helpful than Athena!
What is the role of the gods in the Iliad?
In the Iliad, the gods have prominent and constant roles. They are present in many battles and their influence is apparent throughout the Trojan War. The Odyssey shows the gods as involved, but in a much more indirect way. By and large, they seem to have distanced themselves from the affairs of men. While Poseidon’s anger toward Odysseus drives the ...
What happens when the suitors learn Telemachus is gone?
When the suitors learn Telemachus is gone, they conspire to assassinate him when he returns to Ithaca. Once more Athena guides the family, giving courage and wisdom to Penelope to keep her safe. Odysseus and Telemachus both return to Ithaca at the same time.
Why does Athena make Penelope more beautiful?
Athena also makes Penelope more beautiful and young looking to prepare for her husband’s return. And Odysseus and Telemachus work to regain control of Ithaca from Penelope’s suitors, Athena seems even more intent than the king and prince on enacting revenge.
Why does Athena disguise Odysseus as a beggar?
Athena disguises Odysseus as a beggar so he can sneak into his palace, but removes the disguise and makes him appear strong and youthful when his son finally meets him.
Why does Athena hold back the dawn?
When Odysseus and Penelope are finally reunited, Athena holds back the dawn to give them more time together. He then goes to be reunited with his elderly father even as the families of the suitors move toward revenge. Athena helps Odysseus a final time by preventing a civil war on Ithaca.
How long did Odysseus stay with the nymph?
After seven years with the nymph, Odysseus is sent away on a raft. When Poseidon discovers this he sinks the small vessel, but Odysseus is saved by Athena and a helpful sea nymph. He washes ashore on the island of Phaecia, where Athena disguises herself as a local girl to guide the king’s daughter to Odysseus.
Who was Athean in the Illiad?
In the Illiad, Athean was Mentor. No, that is not a typo, her alias was literally a mortal man named Mentor, who was a mentor to Tellemachus, the Greek prince and son to Queen Penelope and King Odyseus.
What did Athena decree in the event of draw?
At the first court held by Athena, she decreed in the event of draw (same number of vote guilty vs not guilty) she will cast her vote for the defendant, or a not guilty vote.
What does Hephaestus ask Achilles to make?
She asks Hephaestus to make a new armor for Achilles when his original one falls into Hector’s hands after Patroclus’ death. Thus, Achilles enters the fight in a
Why did Zeus' wife spit fire?
Hera, Zeus’ wife spitted fire because Zeus was helping her enemies (Yeah, the burn from Paris’ rejection hadn’t healed).
How did Aphrodite enrage the Greeks?
On the battlefield, Aphrodite enraged Greeks by pulling Paris out in the middle of a duel.
What does the olive tree mean in Odyseus?
She also acts as a guide to Odyseus on his own trips, from granting him an olive tree (her symbol and sacred plant, meaning he was under her protection ) and showing him modesty (towards the end, when she turned him into a beggar so he could sneak into the castle without gaining attention from Penelope’s unwanted suitors.)
Why did Tellemachus reveal herself?
She also did reveal herself to recieve the sacrifices Tellemachus insisted the people give her so that she may be properly thanked.
Why is Athena important in the Iliad?
She plays a major role in Homer's The Iliad because she works to protect the Achaean warriors fighting against the Trojans. She is described as a powerful warrior and a watchful woman. The main reason Athena protects the Achaeans in the Trojan War is to avenge the wrong against them caused by Paris, the prince who stole Helen away from Menelaus. In this lesson, we will learn about Athena, in all her glory, through quotes from Homer's story.
Who does Athena love?
Of all the Achaeans, Athena has a deep affection for Menelaus. When Patroclus falls and Menelaus must decide whether to leave his body and retreat, or fight to protect the body, Athena comes down to meet Menelaus.
What does Homer describe Athena as?
Homer describes Athena as fiery, with ''fire that flashed from her eyes…'' She is as brave as she is beautiful. Homer compares her to a ''brilliant meteor'' flying through the sky when she goes to help the Achaeans.
How does Homer describe Athena's outfits?
Repeatedly, Homer makes a point to describe Athena's outfits as she prepares for battle, or to help the Achaeans. In one instance, he writes, ''Athena flung her richly embroidered vesture, made with her own hands… donned the shirt of Jove, arming herself for battle... She threw her tasseled aegis about her shoulders… On her head she set her helmet of gold, with four plumes, and coming to a peak both in front and behind - decked with the emblems of a hundred cities; then she stepped into her flaming chariot and grasped the spear…''
What does the woman say to Ulysses?
She finds Ulysses, a warrior she deeply cares about, and says to him, ''Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, are you going to fling yourselves into your ships and be off home to your own land in this way? Will you leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of still keeping Helen, for whose sake so many of the Achaeans have died at Troy, far from their homes? Go about at once among the host, and speak fairly to them, man by man, that they draw not their ships into the sea.''
Who is Athena's weak spot?
Athena's love for the Achaeans makes them a bit of a weak spot for her. Diomedes, an Achaean warrior, sees how Athena cares for the Achaeans, especially Ulysses, and he uses that to his advantage. When the Achaeans are fighting against the Trojans, Diomedes plans to join the battle, but only if he can take Ulysses with him.
Who inspires Ulysses to seek out Agamemnon and the other Achaeans to stay?
Ultimately they do, proving that Athena has great power over these men.
What is the Role of Athena In The Iliad?
Athena in the Trojan War acts as a mentor to Achilles, battling on the side of the Achaeans. Achilles is a hot-headed warrior, impulsively rushing into battle with little discipline. Athena tries to rein in his impulsivity and direct his strength and ability to gain victories.
What does Athena do to help the Trojans?
Athena, seeing an opportunity to further her own agenda, agrees. She’s not about to give the Trojans a chance at gaining an advantage. She needs a clever and subtle way to reignite the fighting. Athena seeks out a Trojan nobleman, Pandaros, and convinces him to fire an arrow at Menelaos. While not fatal or even serious, the wound is painful and requires Menelaos to retreat from the field temporarily. With an attack on one of the Greek’s most valiant and proud warriors, the truce is broken, and Agamemnon leads the soldiers to war once more.
What does Zeus tell the gods in Book 8?
In book 8, Zeus tells the gods that he will end the war and orders that they cannot interfere on either side. He has chosen the Trojans to win during this day. Hera and Athena both try to intervene on the Achaeans’ behalf, but Zeus blocks their efforts. He foretells Patroclus’ death and Achilles’ return to battle.
How did Athena character traits affect her role?
Athena, who appeared as a goddess of wisdom to Homer, carried several roles as she worked to support the Acheans in the Iliad. In Roman literature, she appeared in another form as Minerva, the goddess worshipped by the earlier Minoans.
Why does Achilles go to Achilles?
He goes to Achilles and pleads with him to seek vengeance for Patroclus’ death. He blames their quarrel on Zeus and convinces him to return to the field of battle by returning Briseus and offering other fine gifts in reconciliation. Achilles, infuriated by Patroclus’ death, launches an attack on the Trojans.
What does Zeus do to the Trojans?
For a time, Zeus blocks the gods’ interference, forbidding them from involving themselves further in the mortal’s battles.
How long did Achilles abuse Hector?
He drags Hector’s body behind his chariot, shaming Hector in the way he had meant to treat Patroclus. Achilles’ abuse of Hector’s body goes on for nine days, until the gods, angered at his lack of respect, intervene once more. Zeus declares that Priam must be permitted to ransom his son’s body.
What did Hera and Athena mock?
Hera and Athena mock Aphrodite, taunting her delicacy. Diomedes’ attack on Aphrodite, a goddess, emphasizes his heroic stature in battle. At the same time, Aphrodite, as the goddess of love, has no real place on the battlefield.
What is the role of Ares in the Iliad?
Despite the fact that the Iliad is all about a war, Ares plays a minor role among the gods of the poem. Partly he is less invested in the outcome, unlike Aphrodite or Hera, but here Zeus also indicates that his regard for Ares is unfavorable. It may be an indication that neither side fights the war for war’s sake, but rather for other more important reasons—honor and glory.
What does Apollo do to Aeneas?
Apollo creates a “phantom” that resembles Aeneas ’ body for the battlefield. Achaeans and Trojans swarm around the false body, battling for Aeneas’ armor. Apollo calls the war god Ares to his side, asking him to remove Diomedes from combat. Ares drives the Trojans forward, lending them his fighting spirit.
Why does Aeneas spring down from the chariot?
Aeneas springs down from the chariot to protect Pandarus’ corpse. In a feat of strength, Diomedes lifts a boulder and throws it at Aeneas, hitting him in the socket of his hip. Aeneas passes out, but his mother Aphrodite appears before him and protects his body from harm.
What does Homer use the metaphor for Diomedes?
Homer uses the metaphor to describe Diomedes as an overpowering force.
Who drops Aeneas away from the battlefield?
Diomedes charges at Aphrodite and gouges her wrist with his spear. Aphrodite screams and drops Aeneas. Iris leads Aphrodite away from the battlefield, and she flies to Olympus using Ares ’ team of horses.
Who grants Diomedes strength in battle?
Athena grants Diomedes strength in battle “so the fighter would shine forth…and win himself great glory.” Diomedes dismounts his chariot and begins killing Trojans. Athena further assists Diomedes by luring Ares away from the battlefield. Multiple Achaean captains, including Agamemnon, Idomeneus, and Menelaus, kill their Trojan counterparts.
What does Achilles tell his mother about the death of Patroclus?
Achilles lets loose a “terrible, wrenching cry” that his mother Thetis hears. All of the sea nymphs of the ocean gather with Thetis and fly to Achilles. Thetis laments Achilles’ approaching death, saying she can do nothing to prevent it. Thetis asks Achilles the reason for his sorrow, and Achilles tells her of the death of Patroclus. Achilles says he’s lost the will to live other than to kill Hector .
Who does Thetis tell Achilles to go to?
Thetis observes that Achilles no longer has any armor of his own, and tells him that she will go to the smith god Hephaestus.
What does Antilochus tell Achilles about Patroclus?
Antilochus races to Achilles ’ camp to tell him of Patroclus ’ death. Achilles, sitting by ships, realizes the Achaeans are routed and fears the worst. Antilochus arrives and delivers the news. Achilles dissolves into grief, weeping uncontrollably and abasing himself in dirt.
Why does Achilles want to keep Patroclus unburied?
Achilles constantly demonstrates his grief for Patroclus, and his decision to keep Patroclus body unburied is his form of respect. Revenge must come first, and Achilles is willing to face certain death to achieve it. The other warriors face likely doom every time they fight. Achilles is different—his love for Patroclus and desire to take revenge upon Hector are so great that he chooses to act despite knowing it will lead to his death. This is truly heroic.
What does Polydamas advise the Trojans to do?
In the Trojan camp, Polydamas advises the Trojans to withdraw back into Troy’s walls. He states that the Achaeans were difficult enough foes without Achilles, and now he is sure to return. Zeus causes Hector to reject Polydamas’ advice, calling it cowardice, and commands the Trojans to camp outside the Trojan walls for another night. The Trojans will attack again in the morning.
Why does Iris tell Achilles to show himself?
Iris tells Achilles to simply show himself in order to strike fear into the Trojans. Achilles appears on the Achaean rampart, crowned by Athena with a golden cloud. Achilles gives his war cry and the Trojans panic. The Achaeans take the opportunity to finally pull Patroclus’ body to safety.
What is Achilles' grief?
Achilles’ expression of grief is extremely passionate, indicating the very close bond that Achilles shared with Patroclus. With his greatest comrade dead, Achilles nearly loses the will to live, and in throwing himself into the dirt suggests that he now regrets his part—and pride—in allowing Patroclus to die.
What does Athena propose to Hector?
Apollo intercepts her, proposing that they bring about peace for a day. He proposes that Hector call for one of the Achaeans to meet him is single combat. Athena agrees, and Apollo proposes the idea to Hector. Hector comes between the ranks and gives the command for his men to seat themselves, and Agamemnon does likewise with the Achaean soldiers. Hector proposes that a man meet him in single combat. The loser will be stripped of his armor, which will be a trophy for the victor, but the body will be given proper respect and burial. No one meets the challenge initially, so Menelaus takes the offer. Homer reveals here that Menelaus would certainly have died if Agamemnon had not interceded. Agamemnon convinces his brother that to fight Hector is madness, and Menelaus sits down. Nestor scolds the Achaeans, telling a story of his own valor from the days of his youth, and in response nine men step forward: Agamemnon, Diomedes, the two Aeantes, Idomenus, Meriones, Eurypylos, Thoas, and Odysseus. Nestor has them throw lots, and Great Ajax wins. After trading words, Hector and Ajax fight. The two men fight fiercely, and Ajax seems to be winning, but the fight is stopped by the heralds Idaios and Talthybios, messengers of Zeus and of mortals. They argue that night is falling and that Zeus loves both men, and therefore the duel should stop. The two men stop fighting, trade gifts, and return to their sides.
What does Helenus tell Hector and Aeneas?
Helenus, son of Priam and a skilled seer , tells Hector and Aeneas that they must rally the troops lest the soldiers are driven back through the gates. He also tells Hector to return to Troy and gather all of the elder noblewomen together to make a special sacrifice at the temple of Athena. They must pray to the goddess to hold back Diomedes. Hector does as his brother asks.
What does Nestor suggest to the Trojans?
That night, after sacrifices and feasting, Nestor suggests that they burn their dead and build fortifications. Among the Trojans, Antenor tells Paris that he should give back Helen and all of the other treasures he stole from the house of Menelaus. Paris refuses, suggesting instead that he give back the treasures he stole from Menelaus (except for Helen) plus other valuables from among his own goods. Priam wants to send messengers relaying Paris' offer and also asking for a temporary truce so that both sides can bury their dead. In the morning, the herald Idaeus carries out Priam's orders. Diomedes responds that the Achaeans should not accept Paris' giftseven if he should offer Helen. The Trojans must die. The troops cry out their agreement with him. Agamemnon heeds his men but grants the temporary truce. Both sides, with great sorrow, bury their dead. The Achaeans take advantage of the truce and build a great wall, along with a ditch and a line of sharpened stakes, and on Olympus Poseidon objects that in building the wall they have dedicated no offering to the gods. Zeus promises him that once the war is over Poseidon can destroy the wall. That night, shipments of wine come to the Achaeans from Euneus, son of Jason, and the Achaeans drink. Zeus plans horror for them, however, and the Achaeans can feel it. They pour wine in offering to Zeus and are unable to celebrate freely.
Who is the Trojan warrior and mortal son of Anchises and Aphrodite?
Aeneas, Trojan warrior and mortal son of Anchises and Aphrodite, asks Pandarus to strike Diomedes down with an arrow, but Pandarus despairs of having failed to kill both Menelaus and Diomedes. Aeneas urges him to ride with him in his chariot to strike down Diomedes. The two men charge for the Achaean hero, and Sthenalus urges Diomedes to retreat. He does not, reminding Sthenalus that if they win they'll take the chariot and horses as a prize. Trojan horses are the world's finest, given to Troy by Zeus, and Aeneas ' horses are particularly good specimens. Pandarus is killed, but before Diomedes can kill Aeneas , Aphrodite whisks him away. Aeneas ' chariot is captured by the Greeks. Aphrodite is wounded by Diomedes and drops her son, but Apollo picks him up and carries him away. With the help of Iris and Ares' chariot, the wounded Aphrodite returns to Olympus. She complains to her mother, Dione, about what has happened to her. Dione reminds her of times when other immortal gods have had to suffer at the hands of mortals. She comforts her with the knowledge that no mortal who fights the gods gets away with it. Hera and Athena mock Aphrodite, and Zeus comforts her.
Who is the Lycian ally of the Trojans?
This chilling opening sequence is relieved by the exchange between Glaucos , a Lycian ally of the Trojans, and Diomedes. Amidst the brutality of war, these two men carve out a small space for more gentle values. The realization that their families have a history of friendship motivates the men to come to a separate peace between the two of them. The fact that Glaucos is Lycian rather than Trojan gives him a chance to actually survive the war. The scene is beautiful, affirming a place for friendship even under the most extreme and violent conditions imposed by war. However, the end puts a twist on the exchange: has Diomedes intentionally swindled Glaucos out of his golden armor? It is improbable that the proposal of friendship was a way for Diomedes to get a pricier suit of armor; after all, as champion of Athena, Diomedes probably could have killed Glaucos and taken the armor. But the possibility remains that Diomedes has swindled a man to whom he has just proposed friendship, complicating this short scene. It is as if the war makes it difficult to create any pure space for the gentler virtue of friendship. Even when swearing solemn oaths of friendship and making a separate peace, Glaucos would have been better off if he had kept his wits about him.
Why does Hector propose that the people of the city should light fires and keep careful watch as well?
The people of the city should light fires and keep careful watch as well, because the army will be camped on the field. Hector is sure that the next day will bring great victories, including the death of Diomedes. The Trojans sacrifice oxen and sheep, but, unbeknownst to the Trojans, the gods do not partake of the offerings.
Who wound Aeneas' wrist?
When Aeneas’s mother, Aphrodite, comes to his aid, Diomedes wounds her too, cutting her wrist and sending her back to Mount Olympus. Aphrodite’s mother, Dione, heals her, and Zeus warns Aphrodite not to try her hand at warfare again. When Apollo goes to tend to Aeneas in Aphrodite ’s stead, Diomedes attacks him as well.
How does Homer achieve the great pathos of Hector and Andromache?
Homer achieves such great pathos not only with the words of Hector and Andromache but also with setting and effective detailing . By placing their meeting above the Scaean Gates —the grand entrance to the city, where many confrontations have already occurred—Homer elevates Hector and Andromache’s love to the level of the rage that pervades the epic. Homer’s use of detail proves similarly crucial to the scene’s poignancy. As Andromache nurses baby Astyanax, the audience is reminded of the way in which war separates families and deprives the innocent. When Hector hastily removes his crested helmet upon seeing how it frightens Astyanax, we realize that this great warrior, who has just affirmed his glorious aspirations and his iron will to fight, also possesses a tender side. The scene at once relieves the tension heightened by the descriptions of battle and emphasizes these battles’ tragic gravity.
How does Homer describe the battle?
Homer communicates the scope and intensity of the battle with long descriptive passages of mass slaughter, yet he intersperses these descriptions with intimate characterization, thereby personalizing the violence. Homer often fleshes out the characters being killed by telling stories about their backgrounds or upbringings. He uses this technique, for instance, when, after Aeneas fells Orsilochus and Crethon midway through Book 5, he recounts the story of how these twins joined up with the Achaean ranks. Furthermore, Homer often alternates between depictions of Trojan and Achaean deaths, sometimes rendering the victor of the first exchange the victim of the next. In this way, he injects a sense of rhythm into what would otherwise be a numbing litany of mass destruction.
Who is Hector's mother in Troy?
The Trojans anticipate downfall, and the soothsayer Helenus urges Hector to return to Troy to ask his mother, Queen Hecuba, along with her noblewomen, to pray for mercy at the temple of Athena. Hector follows Helenus’s advice and gives his mother and the other women their instructions.
What is the book 6 of The Trojans?
Summary: Book 6. With the gods absent, the Achaean forces again overwhelm the Trojans, who draw back toward the city. Menelaus considers accepting a ransom in return for the life of Adrestus, a Trojan he has subdued, but Agamemnon persuades him to kill the man outright.
