“The Lotos Eaters,” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, was originally published in 1832. The poem is based on a passage from the ninth book of Homer's Odyssey. Odysseus and his weary men stop at an island to rest from their long travels. The Lotus-Eaters, a harmless but oblivious people, bring the men food, water, and relief from their journey. When the men eat the lotus flower, however, they are overcome by a desire to remain on the island. They abandon all thought of home and family, and must be physically removed from the island. The relevant passage reads as follows:
“Thence for nine days' space I was borne by direful winds over the teeming deep; but on the tenth we set foot on the land of the Lotus-eaters, who eat a flowery food. There we went on shore and drew water, and straightway my comrades took their meal by the swift ships. But when we had tasted food and drink, I sent forth some of my comrades to go and learn who the men were, who here ate bread upon the earth; two men I chose, sending with them a third as a herald. So they went straightway and mingled with the Lotus-eaters, and the Lotus-eaters did not plan death for my comrades, but gave them of the lotus to taste. And whosoever of them ate of the honey-sweet fruit of the lotus, had no longer any wish to bring back word or to return, but there they were fain to abide among the Lotus-eaters, feeding on the lotus, and forgetful of their homeward way. These men, therefore, I brought back perforce to the ships, weeping, and dragged them beneath the benches and bound them fast in the hollow ships; and I bade the rest of my trusty comrades to embark with speed on the swift ships, lest perchance anyone should eat of the lotus and forget his homeward way. So they went on board straightway and sat down upon the benches, and sitting well in order smote the grey sea with their oars.”
HOMER. ODYSSEY 9. Theoi Classical Texts Library, https://www.theoi.com/Text/HomerOdyssey9.html.
I have read that the "lotus" could possibly refer to a type of opioid. Although these claims were not supported by scholarly sources by any means, they still establish a compelling case. It's very possible to interpret the Lotus-Eaters as substance abusers. Opioids are a psychoactive drug that induces a sense of euphoria and causes lethargy. This could serve as a possible explanation for the Lotus-Eaters's "dream-like" state. Perhaps, after Odysseus's crew ate the "lotus," they wished to remain on the island due to the intensity of the opioid's effect.
Ravenscroft, Dean. "What Does the Lotus Flower Mean in Greek Mythology?" The Significance of the Lotus Flower in Greek Mythology, www.lotusflowermeaning.net/Greek-Mythology.php.
