The Odyssey

Hermes arrives on Ogygia, the island of the nymph Calypso, to deliver Zeus’s command to release Odysseus. Calypso, who wishes to keep Odysseus as her lover, is upset but understands that she cannot disobey the ruler of the gods.

Calypso finds Odysseus, who is sitting on the cliffs and weeping with longing for his home. She tells him that he is free to leave but promises to make him immortal if he chooses to stay with her as her husband. Though Odysseus is flattered by Calypso’s offer, he is determined to return home to his family and his kingdom. Calypso takes Odysseus into her home, and they make love. In the morning, she provides him with tools and supplies for his journey. Odysseus builds a raft and sets sail, bidding Calypso farewell.

As Odysseus navigates the sea, Poseidon, who is still angry at Odysseus, stirs up a fierce storm to thwart his progress. Odysseus’s raft is wrecked, and he nearly drowns, but a sea goddess pities him and offers him a magical veil to keep him safe. Odysseus wraps the veil around his waist and swims to safety. Eventually, he is washed onto the shore of a rocky island, badly battered but alive.