The Odyssey - LOTUS EATERS

[sleeper]

I was studying for an exam last night by reviewing a historical book, The Odyssey. I was pretty bored (I would have rather been getting down on a bowl) and I came across a section of the book with "Lotus-Eaters". I don't know if I was fiending for some, but I though the island of the Lotus-Eaters was like a 750-700 B.C. pot smoker's dream. Here is the passage I came by online:

For nine days I was driven by fierce winds over the teeming sea: but on the tenth we set foot on the shores of the Lotus-eaters, who eat its flowery food. On land we drew water, and my friends ate by the ships. Once we had tasted food and drink, I sent some of the men inland to discover what kind of human beings lived there: selecting two and sending a third as herald. They left at once and came upon the Lotus-eaters, who had no thought of killing my comrades, but gave them lotus to eat. Those who ate the honey-sweet lotus fruit no longer wished to bring back word to us, or sail for home. They wanted to stay with the Lotus-eaters, eating the lotus, forgetting all thoughts of return. I dragged those men back to the shore myself by force, while they wept, and bound them tight in the hollow ships, pushing them under the benches. Then I ordered my men to embark quickly on the fast craft, fearing that others would eat the lotus and forget their homes. They boarded swiftly and took their place on the benches then sitting in their rows struck the grey water with their oars.’

DISCUSS...

For those who have not read or heard of The Odyssey, I would strongly recommend reading it or researching the key concepts about it. It's an awesome book and I could go into a bigger discussion about it, but I won't.

There's a whole lot of drug use in The Odyssey. Like, when Helen gives the party that drug that makes them cheerful so no one would be sad when Telemachus tells the story about his father. And how Hermes gives Odysseus that drug (herb?) that won't make him fall under Circe's spell. It's all really interesting-- but I love the concept of the Lotus Eaters. Although it was supposed to symbolize (most of his voyages symbolizes one of the 'seven deadly sins') sloth- it's a great story. This group of people welcome these stranger, give them food and comfort, and turn warriors into peaceful people. Love it.

[LoveTheGreen]

I have had to read The Odyssey twice for a class and I never read it. I couldn't even read the Cliff Notes. And make no mistake, I love to read... can't stand The Odyssey though.

[chreeschan]

Yeah the lotus flower aka the poppy...we discussed this when we read the odyssey in my english class freshman year in highschool