Calypso (mythology)

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Calypso or Kalypsó/Kālypsō (Greek: Καλυψώ, English translation: "I will conceal"), was a naiad and a daughter of Atlas who lived on the island of Ogygia in Greek mythology. Her name has also been listed among the list of the Nereids, which would make her a daughter of Nereus. The latter classification in accord with her islands' proximity and association with the sea, as opposed to inland water.

She delayed Odysseus on her island Ogygia (which is thought to be modern day Gozo) for seven years of sexual imprisonment, because she was in love with him. Athena asked Zeus to spare Odysseus of his torment on the island, as he wanted to go to his homeland. Zeus sent Hermes, the messenger of the Gods, to tell Calypso to release Odysseus. As Zeus was the Lord of the Gods, she was unable to refuse him, although she wished to. Odysseus eventually returned to his homeland of Ithaca, to be with his beloved wife Penelope who waited for him at home, even though Calypso had promised him immortality if he stayed.

According to Hesiod, Calypso bore Odysseus two children: Nausithous and Nausinous. The island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago, has a long tradition that links it with the mythical figure of Calypso.

References

• Homer. Odyssey V, and VII.
• Apollodorus. Epitome VII, 24.
• Hesiod. Theogony ll. 1017-1018.

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Last updated on Tuesday March 11, 2008 at 21:37:33 PDT (GMT -0700)
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