What do the lotus eaters represent in the Odyssey?
Just so, what is the theme of the Lotus Eaters in the Odyssey?
Many of the themes of the Lotus Eaters in the Odyssey tie in with major themes of the epic poem such as hospitality or curiosity. Odysseus first came to the Land of the Lotus Eaters after his ship accidentally sailed near the island. He expected them to be very hospitable like is the custom in Greece.
Similarly one may ask, why are the Lotus Eaters important in the Odyssey?
While walking the island, the men encounter the Lotus Eaters and find that they are a peaceful people; they do nothing except eat the lotus plant. Odysseus' men eat the flowering plant and are immediately changed. Anyone who eats this sweet plant becomes forgetful of their purpose.
When Odysseus' men went onto the Lotus Eaters island, they were encouraged by the natives to eat the Lotus plant. This plant acted as a type of drug, causing the sailors to forget about their home and their goals. Instead, the sailors only wanted to stay on the island, eating more Lotus plants.