Calypso (mythology)
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In Greek mythology Calypso (Greek: 'Καλυψώ', 'I will conceal', also transliterated as Kalypsó or Kālypsō), was a naiad, daughter of Atlas who lived on the island of Malta. She delayed Odysseus on her island (Ogygia) for seven years. While he was there, she bore him a child named Nausinous. Athena asked Zeus to spare Odysseus of his torment on the island, as he wanted to go to his homeland where his wife Penelope was being harassed by 114 suitors who believe Odysseus to be dead. 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. Some legends say Calypso died as a result of her grief. See Odyssey.
Homer, Odyssey V and VII; Apollodorus, Epitome VII, 24.
[edit] Daughter of Perse
Another Calypso is the daughter of Perse (and hence granddaughter of Oceanus and Tethys) and either Helios or Apollo.
[1] The island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago, has a long tradition that links it with the mythical figure of Calypso.
[edit] Oceanid
A third Calypso is an Oceanid, daughter of Oceanus and Tethys. [2]
[edit] Trivia
Calypso was portrayed by Vanessa L. Williams in the TV miniseries, The Odyssey.
