The Odyssey Siren And Lotus Eaters
The Odyssey, penned by Homer, portrays the dangers of temptation by his creation of the Sirens and the Lotus Eaters. Both the Sirens and the Lotus Eaters “[show] no will to do [them] harm” (line #95). Though these creatures show no ill-will toward the crew, they both ultimately lead the crew down a treacherous path of temptation. Some of Odysseus's crew succumbs to the gentle lure and abandon all attempts to see home again by walking out the path of temptation. In “weaving a haunting song,” the Sirens draw the men into temptation by using physical beauty (line #691). The imagery of “weaving” a song suggests that the song, as it progresses, binds the listener tighter and tighter. In the same way, Odysseus becomes entwined in the Sirens’ beauty
and yearns to make the Sirens’ island his home. In contrast to the Sirens, the Lotus Eaters “[offer] the sweet Lotus,” and attempt to snare the crew (line #96). Because the innocent looking Lotus becomes a major distraction to the men, Homer’s use of the word “sweet” represents a dual meaning. While the Lotus initially tastes pleasing, too much of it causes the men to take a not-so-sweet turn for the worse and refuse to return home. Though the monsters each have their similarities and differences, both ultimately represents the dangers of temptation.
and yearns to make the Sirens’ island his home. In contrast to the Sirens, the Lotus Eaters “[offer] the sweet Lotus,” and attempt to snare the crew (line #96). Because the innocent looking Lotus becomes a major distraction to the men, Homer’s use of the word “sweet” represents a dual meaning. While the Lotus initially tastes pleasing, too much of it causes the men to take a not-so-sweet turn for the worse and refuse to return home. Though the monsters each have their similarities and differences, both ultimately represents the dangers of temptation.