What does the Greek word "lotos" mean?

Answer 1

Lotos (λωτός) in ancient Greek is a word for several different kinds of plants, including clover, fenugreek, and a kind of water lily. But most famously, it's the name of a mythical plant in Homer's Odyssey. In Book 9 of the poem, Odysseus encounters the Lotus-eaters (Λωτοφάγοι), who live in blissful oblivion thanks to this plant and forget everything that has ever happened to them -- an alluring temptation for Odysseus and his weary men.