What is the lesson of the Lotus Eaters in the Odyssey?
Lesson Summary Too much of a good thing can be dangerous, and in Odysseus’ case, it caused his men to ignore their responsibilities, forgetting their purpose. After eating the lotus flowers, his men disobeyed orders and forced Odysseus to physically bring them back into reality.
What would eating the lotus flower be a metaphor for?
The Greeks called several non-narcotic plants lōtos, but the name may have been used in this case for the opium poppy, the ripe seed pod of which resembles the pod of the true lotus. The phrase “to eat lotus” is used metaphorically by numerous ancient writers to mean “to forget,” or “to be unmindful.”
What were the Lotus Eaters known for?
The Lotus-Eaters were creatures that appeared to look very innocent, with looking like normal human beings. Odysseus and his men had lived on the sweet, intoxicating fruits of a tree, producing its lotus-like flowers. They got this name due to their unique properties and that kept them in a state of forgetfulness.
Why did Odysseus stop at the Land of the Lotus Eaters?
Storms blow the ships off course, but they finally arrive at the land of the Lotus-eaters. The inhabitants are not hostile; however, eating the lotus plant causes Odysseus’ men to lose memory and all desire to return home.
How do the Lotus Eaters pose a threat to Odysseus?
The Lotus Eaters gave the men and odysseus a plant to eat but whoever ate it lost hope to go home that is why they pose a threat. The description of the incident with the Lotus Eaters add to the epic because it shows danger and risk.
What does the land of the Lotus Eaters symbolize?
The Lotus Eaters represent one of the challenges that Odysseus had to face on his way home – slothfulness. These were a group of people who had forgotten their purpose in life and who gave in to the peaceful apathy that came with eating the lotus.
How is the test of the sirens similar to the test of the Lotus-Eaters?
The sirens are like the Lotus-Eaters because they test the sailors. The sirens lure Odysseus and his sailers with excitement and pleasure by seducing them. The sirens are as dangerous as the Lotus-Eaters are, because both the Sirens and the Lotus-Eaters try to put Odysseus and his sailers into danger and trouble.
How does the encounter with the Lotus-Eaters contrast with Odysseus approach to the Cicones?
How does this encounter with the Lotus Eaters contrast with Odysseus’ approach to the Cicones? The Lotus Eaters gave the men and odysseus a plant to eat but whoever ate it lost hope to go home that is why they pose a threat.
Why do the Lotos Eaters wish to resemble the gods?
These Lotus Eaters were like gods because they seemed to be able to change the minds of man to slumber instead of work.
What does the description of the incident with the Lotus-Eaters add to the epic?
The description of the incident with the Lotus Eaters add to the epic because it shows danger and risk. Odysseus didn’t want to elaborate further in the incident because he had to leave because if they stayed his men may have eaten the plant and lost hope of home.
How is the encounter with the sirens similar to the encounter with the Lotus-Eaters?
The theme of both the perils of the sirens and the lotus-eaters was attraction. The sirens’ song lured sailors to their doom, while in a less drastic sense the effect of the lotus drew the minds of Odysseus’ companions away. It was also this attraction and desire that presented the threat or danger in both cases.