What sends the ships to the land of the lotus-eaters?

Well it began when Odysseus and his men had escaped death on the island of Ismarus, but this escape did not come without a heavy price. Because his men did not listen to orders he had told them, many had died in the battle that could have been avoided in the first place. So then ten days had passed; and the men continuously fought the rough seas and rough weather, it had been the gods' curse, so they could get back on their original course.

Then Odysseus and his men end up on the island of the Lotus Eaters. His men eat and rest, waiting for orders from their leader. Odysseus sends three of his men to explore the island. While walking the island, the men encounter the Lotus Eaters and find that they are a peaceful people; they do nothing except eat the lotus plant.

Odysseus' men eat the flowering plant and are immediately changed. Anyone who eats this sweet plant becomes forgetful of their purpose. They forget about their home and all their cares in the world. The men never send back a message to Odysseus; they stay and eat the plant with the natives.

Odysseus finds the men, literally drags them back to the ships, and ties them to the rowing benches. The men fight Odysseus' rescue, wishing to stay on the island and eat more of the sweet plant. He quickly gives the rest of his men the orders to set sail away from this place, fearing more will succumb to the indulgent treat. Once again, the men sail on back to their rightful course.