 
|
Calypso was a nymph, the
daughter of the Titan Atlas. She lived on the island of
Ogygia. After the last of Odysseus' men had perished at
sea, Odysseus himself was washed ashore on Ogygia, where
Calypso became enamored of him, taking him as her lover
and promising him immortality if he would stay with her.
Odysseus refused her offer, wishing to return home to
Ithaca and to his wife, Penelope. But Calypso refused to
let him leave, and held him prisoner for seven years.
Finally Athena complained of Odysseus' plight to Zeus,
and Zeus sent Hermes to Ogygia to order Calypso to set
Odysseus free. Calypso complied reluctantly, allowing
Odysseus to construct a small boat and set sail from the
island. |
 
|
