In addition, the brief encounter with the lotus eaters can be argued to be a result of greed and temptation (a theme which is consistent within the Apolog) exhibited by men. Savagely, Odysseus and his comrades launch an unprovoked attack on the City of the Cicones, murderously slaughtering the inhabitants and abusing their wives. Disloyalty. A theme which results in the death of “ half a dozen” of Odysseus' men. The unfortunate comrades failed to once again to obey the orders of their leader, overstaying their welcome in the City of the Cicones whilst, killing herds of cattle, oxen and sheep. This destruction of Xenia personally is evidence as to why the captivation by the lotus eaters is a deserving treatment for Odysseus and his men. The
