Kalypso

Kalypso, also known as the queenly nymph, is said to be the daughter of Atlas. Kalypso was in love with Odysseus and caused him much sadness. Odysseus's ship was smashed and all his shipmates were drowned. He washed ashore on Kalypso's island, Ogygia. Kalypso loved him and wanted to keep him as her immortal husband but he was determined to return to his home in Ithaka and to his wife Penelope and son Telemakhos. Kalypso, tried to charm Odysseus, but as the years passed, he cried for his lonely son and wife. (www.messagenet.com, 1998)

The grey-eyed goddess, Athena, told Zeus that her heart was broken for Odysseus as he was trapped on Kalypso's island. She asked Zeus to help. He responded by sending Hermes to the Island to tell Kalypso to free Odysseus. (Norton Anthology World Masterpieces, 7th edition, The Odyssey, Book 1, pp.210-211)

Kalypso, greeted Hermes and they ate and drank. Hermes told Kalypso of Zeus's request and even though she didn't want to lose Odysseus, she would grant do as Zeus wanted. She hoped to win over the love of Odysseus. She wouldn't provide a way for Odysseus to return home. However, she provided tools for Odysseus to build a raft. Odysseus built the raft for himself. Upon preparing to leave, Kalypso, in her loving nature, gave Odysseus provisions and sent him on his way with a good wind to speed him home. Kalypso and Odysseus had 2 daughters. (www.kalypsosilk.com)