"The Lotus Eaters" is a story from Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. It describes a group of sailors who encounter the Lotus Eaters, a peaceful people living on an island. The Lotus Eaters consume the lotus plant, which causes them to forget their homes and lose their desire to return. When Odysseus and his crew arrive, some of his men eat the lotus and become entranced, forgetting their mission to return to Ithaca. Odysseus must rescue them and bring them back to the ship, emphasizing the themes of temptation and the importance of perseverance in the face of distractions.