On the tenth day after leaving Troy, Odysseus and his men landed on an island whose inhabitants subsisted solely on the lotus fruit and flowers. This plant possessed a magical property: it caused those who ate it to forget their past and lapse into a dreamy, blissful lethargy.
Upon arrival, Odysseus's crew were hospitably invited by the islanders to partake of the sweet lotus. Its enchantment took hold immediately. The men sank into a profound daydream, losing all desire for the future. The sea and their ship now seemed dreary and odious; they felt no longing for home, family, or kingdom.
When his men failed to return, a suspicious Odysseus ventured ashore with armed companions to investigate. He quickly discerned the food's magical effect. Forbidding his followers to touch the plant, he ordered them to drag their enchanted comrades back to the ship. There, he had the men bound to the benches until they slept off the lotus's harmful influence. Without delay, they set sail, leaving the dreamy Lotus Eaters behind.