Greek Gods

Calypso was a beautiful nymph in greek mythology. According to Homer, Calypso was the daughter of the Titan Atlas and her mother was Tethys. He even refers to her as a goddess in the Odyssey. Her name is related to the Greek word καλύπτω, which means to conceal and she symbolized the forces that divert men from their goals.

Calypso and Odysseus

Calypso lived in Ogygia, where she was ousted as a prisoner because she supported her father in the battles between Titans and Olympians.  Odysseus was shipwrecked on the shore of Ogygia during his voyage home, Calypso fell in love with him. She kept him on the island for seven years and offered him eternal life and youth if he would remain with her forever. But Odysseus didn’t accept her generosity, he was dreaming about going back to his wife in Ithaca. 

 

 Athena ask Zeus to 'save' Odysseus from Ogygia and Calypso, Zeus sent the messenger of the gods, Hermes, to persuade Calypso to let Odysseus go. She agreed and gave Odysseus supplies for his voyage. Legend says that she bore him at least one son.