Calypso by Vy Le (Student FVHS)

Calypso's Role in the Odyssey

vble103 — 2023-12-19 03:25:09 UTC

Calypso is an immortal goddess, neither good nor evil. "Calypso kidnaps Odysseus on her island (Ogygia) for seven years" (study.com). While driven by her overwhelming love for him, she also offers him the necessary tools and supplies to aid his journey upon his departure from the island. However, with the help of Athena and the other gods, Calypso was forced to release Odysseus. She also had wished for him to fall in love with her, even though she understands that he doesn't love her and wants to return to Penelope.

vble103 — 2023-12-19 07:39:13 UTC

Themes

atto101_ — 2023-12-19 08:40:43 UTC

Calypso mainly represents temptations and how love can be harmful when taken over by pride. Calypso is seen to have loved Odysseus even when he had only wanted to be with his wife at home. Despite loving Odysseus, she often acts on her own accord. She also represents temptations as she sort of tempts Odysseus to try to take the easy way out by promising him immortality if he stays with her. After losing all his men and washing up on her island of Ogygia, Calypso's name meaning "the one who hides, who conceals" shows how he would further be hidden from the world after a tempting offer. All of this of which Calypso does over her love for him.

History/Background

atto101_ — 2023-12-19 08:53:15 UTC

Calypso, a nymph and goddess of the sea, is generally considered the daughter of Titan Atlas. The spiritual meaning of Calypso means "conceal; She who hides" (thebump.com). During a battle between the Olympians and the Titans, Calypso had defended her father and the Titans. When the Olympians had won the battle, they punished Calypso for her crimes by banishing her onto an island, called Ogygia, to live on forever. This is the same island that Odysseus ends up being held captive on for seven years. She deeply loves Odysseus and openly displays this as she wants Odysseus to stay with her on her island.

Works Cited

atto101_ — 2023-12-19 08:53:47 UTC

Quartermain, Colin. “The Goddess Calypso in Greek Mythology.” Greek Legends and Myths, 23 Oct. 2016, www.greeklegendsandmyths.com/calypso.html.

“Calypso in the Odyssey by Homer | Mythology, Analysis & Role.” Calypso in the Odyssey by Homer, study.com/learn/lesson/calypso-odyssey-character-analysis-greek-mythology.html. Accessed 19 Dec. 2023.

Sparknotes, SparkNotes, www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/character/calypso/. Accessed 19 Dec. 2023.

vble103 — 2023-12-19 21:15:58 UTC

atto101_ — 2023-12-19 21:30:11 UTC