As an expert in the field of classical literature, I'm delighted to delve into the rich tapestry of Homer's "Odyssey," a timeless epic that has captivated audiences for millennia. The Odyssey is a sequel to Homer's "Iliad" and details the journey of the hero Odysseus as he attempts to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Within this epic poem, we encounter a myriad of divine and mortal characters, each contributing to the complex narrative that unfolds. Calypso, a nymph of divine lineage, features prominently in the narrative of the Odyssey, particularly in Book 5. She is a daughter of the Titan Atlas and resides on the island of Ogygia. Calypso is known for her beauty and her enchanting powers, which she uses to lure Odysseus to her island after he is shipwrecked. She becomes enamored with the hero and desires him to be her immortal husband, thus keeping him on Ogygia for seven long years. However, Odysseus longs for his homeland and his wife, Penelope. His predicament reaches the ears of the gods on Mount Olympus. It is in this context that the goddess Athena pleads with Zeus to aid Odysseus. Moved by her arguments, Zeus decides to send his son, the messenger god Hermes, to Ogygia to command Calypso to release Odysseus. It is through this divine intervention that Odysseus is eventually freed from Calypso's island and given the means to continue his journey homeward. The encounter with Calypso is significant as it highlights Odysseus' unwavering commitment to his home and family, despite the allure of immortality and the temptations of a goddess. It also underscores the theme of hospitality and the obligations of the gods towards mortals, as well as the importance of free will and the struggle against one's fate. In summary, Calypso appears in "The Odyssey," specifically in Book 5, where her role as a divine nymph who detains Odysseus on her island is central to the plot. Her character serves to test Odysseus' resolve and to propel the narrative forward, leading to his eventual release and the continuation of his epic journey. read more >>

Summary and Analysis Book 5 - Odysseus — Nymph and Shipwreck. The gods have gathered again on Olympus. Poseidon is notably absent, and Athena once more advocates Odysseus' case. Zeus agrees to send his son Hermes immediately to Ogygia in order to liberate the king of Ithaca from Calypso.read more >>