Calypso – the nymph who lived on the island of Ogygia, and detained Odysseus for seven years!

Summary

In this video, we delve into the story of Calypso, a minor goddess from Greek mythology, best known for detaining Odysseus on her island during his journey home. Calypso falls in love with Odysseus, offering him immortality, but he longs to return to his wife. After seven years, Zeus commands Calypso to free him. The video explores Calypso’s role in the Odyssey, her heartbreak, and the legend surrounding their time together. Stay tuned for more engaging mythological content.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Calypso is a minor goddess in Greek mythology, best known for her role in Homer's *Odyssey*.
• 🏝️ She lived on the island of Ogygia, where she detained Odysseus for several years.
• 🌟 Calypso is often depicted as the daughter of Atlas, though other sources differ in her parentage.
• ❤️ She fell in love with Odysseus and offered him immortality if he stayed with her as her husband.
• ⏳ Odysseus, despite sharing her bed at night, longed to return home to his wife, Penelope.
• ⚔️ The hero's captivity on Ogygia lasted seven years according to Homer, but other sources suggest different durations.
• 🕊️ Athena eventually intervened by asking Zeus to command Calypso to release Odysseus, which she reluctantly obeyed.
• 🚤 Calypso provided Odysseus with materials to build a boat and gave him provisions for his journey home.
• 👶 Some ancient sources claim that Calypso bore two sons with Odysseus, named Nausithous and Nausinous.
• 😔 Calypso's fate after Odysseus' departure is unclear, with some stories suggesting she yearned for him, while others state she may have committed suicide, although this is unlikely for an immortal.

Q & A

Who is Calypso in Greek mythology?

Calypso is a minor goddess in Greek mythology, primarily known for her role in Homer's *Odyssey*. She is famous for detaining Odysseus on the island of Ogygia.

What is Calypso's lineage according to different sources?

Calypso is generally considered the nymph daughter of Atlas, but other ancient sources also identify her as the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys or the daughter of Nereus and Doris.

How does Calypso come into prominence in the story of Odysseus?

Calypso becomes prominent when Odysseus is shipwrecked on her island, Ogygia, after losing his ship and crew. She rescues him and keeps him on the island for several years.

What offer does Calypso make to Odysseus?

Calypso offers to make Odysseus her immortal husband, granting him eternal life and unaging beauty, but he refuses because he longs to return to his wife, Penelope.

How long does Odysseus stay on Calypso’s island?

Odysseus stays on Ogygia for seven years according to Homer, although other sources suggest it might have been one or five years.

Why does Odysseus refuse to stay with Calypso despite her beauty and offer?

Odysseus refuses to stay with Calypso because, despite her beauty and her offer of immortality, he longs to return home to his wife Penelope and views his stay on Ogygia as imprisonment.

How is Odysseus ultimately freed from Calypso's island?

Athena, Odysseus's ally, appeals to Zeus, who sends Hermes to order Calypso to release Odysseus. Though reluctant, Calypso complies and provides Odysseus with materials for a boat and provisions for his journey.

How does Calypso react to Zeus’s command to release Odysseus?

Calypso feels that she is being unfairly treated, as it seems to her that male gods are free to take mortal lovers while goddesses are not granted the same freedom.

What children are said to be born from the union of Calypso and Odysseus?

According to some sources, Calypso bore two sons, Nausithous and Nausinous, while others mention Latinos and Telegonos, though these two are often attributed to Circe instead.

What happens to Calypso after Odysseus leaves the island?

In some versions of the myth, Calypso commits suicide after Odysseus's departure, though this is considered unusual for an immortal. Others say that she simply yearned for her lost love, looking out to sea.