Calypso is a nymph that captures Odysseus for seven years. They live on a magical island of Ogygia before Odysseus manages to escape. When Odysseus lands on Ogygia during his travels, Calypso falls in love with him. She wants to make him her immortal husband. To accomplish that, she enchants him with her captivating singing.
Detailed answer:
In Greek mythology, Calypso is the daughter of the Titan god Atlas. Calypso lives on a fictional island of Ogygia. She supports her father in the battle between Olympians and Titans. For that, she is punished and sent to the island. Calypso welcomes exhausted Odysseus. He has been drifting in the open sea for nine days. On his way from Troy, Odysseus encountered monsters of Italy and Sicily. Due to them, he has lost his army and ship. Calypso falls in love with Odysseus. The nymph wants to make him her immortal husband. However, he declines her offer of eternal youth. Odysseus dreams of reuniting with his wife and son.
In the end, Calypso manages to seduce Odysseus. She makes him her lover, and he stays on the island. According to Hesiod, they have lived in Calypso’s cave-home for seven years. Someday, Athena decides to intervene. The goddess asks her father, Zeus, to help Odysseus. At first, the nymph objects. But, Calypso is fearful of Zeus’ powers, so she is not able to refuse. Later, she helps Odysseus build a new boat. Calypso, similarly to Circe, is known as a concealer and a seductress. In The Odyssey, Calypso is portrayed as a force of distraction and diversion. Since she captures Odysseus, he is unable to move towards his goal. Despite being a negative symbol, she can be considered Odysseus’ rescuer.
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