Why does Odysseus’ crew kill the Cattle?

Odysseus' crew kills the cattle because they are desperate for food and have no other options. This act is a violation of Zeus's command and brings the wrath of the gods upon the crew.

The crew's decision to kill the cattle is driven by their desperation and hunger. After being lost at sea for several months, they are running low on food and are unable to catch any fish or find any other sources of sustenance. In their weakened state, they give into temptation and slaughter the sacred cattle, despite Odysseus's warning that it will bring the anger of the gods upon them.

This act of sacrilege serves as a turning point in the Odyssey, leading to the death of many of Odysseus's crew and delaying his return home. The episode serves as a warning against giving into temptation and disregarding the will of the gods.

Here are the top passages from The Odyssey related to the question:

“In the third watch of the night when the stars had shifted their places, Jove raised a great gale of wind that flew a hurricane so that land and sea were covered with thick clouds, and night sprang forth out of the heavens. When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared, we brought the ship to land and drew her into a cave wherein the sea-nymphs hold their courts and dances, and I called the men together in council.“‘My friends,’ said I, ‘we have meat and drink in the ship, let us mind, therefore, and not touch the cattle, or we shall suffer for it; for these cattle and sheep belong to the mighty sun, who sees and gives ear to everything.’ And again they promised that they would obey.

“Thus spoke Eurylochus, and the men approved his words. Now the cattle, so fair and goodly, were feeding not far from the ship; the men, therefore, drove in the best of them, and they all stood round them saying their prayers, and using young oak-shoots instead of barley-meal, for there was no barley left. When they had done praying they killed the cows and dressed their carcasses; they cut out the thigh bones, wrapped them round in two layers of fat, and set some pieces of raw meat on top of them. They had no wine with which to make drink-offerings over the sacrifice while it was cooking, so they kept pouring on a little water from time to time while the inward meats were being grilled; then, when the thigh bones were burned and they had tasted the inward meats, they cut the rest up small and put the pieces upon the spits. “By this time my deep sleep had left me, and I turned back to the ship and to the sea shore. As I drew near I began to smell hot roast meat, so I groaned out a prayer to the immortal gods. ‘Father Jove,’ I exclaimed, ‘and all you other gods who live in everlasting bliss, you have done me a cruel mischief by the sleep into which you have sent me; see what fine work these men of mine have been making in my absence.’