As a domain expert in classical literature, I'm familiar with the narrative of Homer's "Odyssey," which is where the story of Odysseus and Calypso is found. The Odyssey is an epic poem that tells the story of the hero Odysseus's journey home from the Trojan War and the challenges he faces along the way.
In the narrative, Odysseus is held captive on the island of Ogygia by the nymph Calypso, who desires him to be her immortal husband. However, Odysseus longs to return to his home and his wife, Penelope. The situation changes when the gods intervene in the matter.

The gods assemble on Mount Olympus, where Athena, the goddess of wisdom and a protector of heroes, pleads with Zeus, the king of the gods, to aid Odysseus. Athena presents Odysseus as a kind and just ruler who is now trapped in Calypso's dwelling without a means to return to his homeland. Moved by Athena's plea and recognizing Odysseus's virtues, Zeus instructs Athena to ensure the safe return of Telemachus, Odysseus's son, from his own journey of seeking news of his father.

Furthermore, Zeus commands the messenger god Hermes to deliver a message to Calypso. Hermes is known as the divine messenger, a role that involves delivering the will of the gods to mortals and other divine beings. In this case, his task is to inform Calypso that she must release Odysseus from captivity. This divine intervention is crucial as it sets the stage for the latter part of Odysseus's journey, allowing him to continue his quest to return to Ithaca.

The intervention of the gods, particularly the dispatch of Hermes, underscores the importance of divine will and the role of the gods in the lives of mortals within the epic. It also highlights the theme of hospitality and the respect for guests, which is a significant aspect of the moral code in the ancient Greek world. By forcing Calypso to release Odysseus, the gods are upholding these values and ensuring that the hero can fulfill his destiny.

In summary, it is Hermes who is sent by Zeus to tell Calypso to release Odysseus. This act is part of a broader divine plan to assist Odysseus in his journey home and to restore order and justice to the world depicted in the "Odyssey."

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The gods assemble on mount Olympus. Athena implores Zeus to help Odysseus, who was such a kind and just ruler, and is now trapped in Calypso's house without any way home. Zeus instructs Athena to bring Telemachus home unharmed, and tells the messenger god Hermes to tell Calypso to release Odysseus from captivity.read more >>