Calypso and Odysseus

Calypso A sea nymph and
daughter of the Titan
Atlas. Calypso lived alone
on the mythical island of
Ogygia in the Ionian Sea.
When the Greek hero
Odysseus was shipwrecked
on Ogygia, she fell in
love with him and kept him
for seven years, and
promised him immortality
and eternal youth if he
would stay with her
Odysseus spends seven years on the lush island of Ogygia, as part of his ten year journey home.
The beautiful seductive nymph Calypso, who captivated him and made him to live a sensual but docile life. He was a heroic warrior, then spent several years fighting against obstacles and faceing death.
On Calypso's isle, Odysseus lives in paradise:
woods around the cave, had many beautiful trees, birds and wild life. Ripe grapes, clear and cold springs, meadows with beautiful flowers and vegetables.
For seven years, Calypso protects him from Poseidon's wrath and her is seductive lover.

After years of war, destroying, killing, raping, surviving in blood soaked Troy.
On Calypso's isle, Odysseus lives in paradise, peace, and happiness.
In my opinion, mythology in general is man's attempt to figure out nature. Attributing events to Gods or magic forces.
Homer wrote a great deal of this in his Odyssey, most of the book. I can not say what was his intent but since human nature is the same now as it was than, it may be a parable.

Odysseus was a worrier and constantly fighting to set things right. A worrier has to be against something and he will risk his life for what he perceives to be a better way.
Worriers are destined to be unhappy since the world will never be perfect.
When Odysseus is set in a life style where he is totally happy, his old values question this. Values are slow to change. Calypso makes every effort to discourage him from leaving.
Calypso loves Odysseus and doesn't want him to go. For years Odysseus has fought an inner battle of having everything he wants, when he already has everything he needs.
Calypso could not make him overcome his desire to return home.
When Zeus, asked her, she finally released Odysseus. Calypso gave him materials to build a raft, provisions and instructions of the way of the sea, to leave the island.
Calypso died of grief after Odysseus left.


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