Calypso and Odysseus
Odysseus remains on the distant island of Ogygia with Calypso until the gods finally order the nymph to release him.
The Story
After years of wandering, Odysseus reached the remote island of Ogygia.
There lived Calypso.
She took the shipwrecked hero into her home and kept him on the island for years.
Calypso wanted Odysseus to remain with her.
She even offered him freedom from ordinary mortal ageing and death if he would accept life beside her.
But Odysseus continued to long for Ithaca.
He wanted to return to Penelope, Telemachus and his own homeland.
The question eventually reached the gods.
Athena argued for Odysseus' return.
Zeus sent Hermes to Ogygia with the command that Calypso must release him.
Calypso objected bitterly to what she saw as a double standard among the gods, who freely pursued mortal lovers while condemning goddesses who did the same.
Nevertheless, she obeyed.
She helped Odysseus construct a raft and provided supplies for his departure.
After years outside the world of ordinary human society, Odysseus finally left Ogygia and resumed the last stage of his journey home.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
The Calypso episode places immortality and divine companionship against Odysseus' determination to recover his mortal identity, family and homeland.
Traditions & Variations
Homer's Odyssey provides the principal surviving early account. Later traditions differ over Calypso's genealogy and the length and nature of Odysseus' stay.