What did Calypso do in the Odyssey?

As a scholar of classical literature, I specialize in the analysis of ancient texts, particularly those from the Greek and Roman periods. My expertise includes a deep understanding of the "Odyssey," an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer. The Odyssey is renowned for its narrative of the hero Odysseus and his long journey home following the Trojan War. Within this epic, the character of Calypso plays a significant role, and her actions are pivotal to the plot's development. Let's delve into the actions of Calypso in the Odyssey.
Calypso, a nymph of divine lineage, resides on the remote island of Ogygia. She is a daughter of the Titan Atlas, which lends her a certain majesty and power. In the narrative of the Odyssey, Calypso becomes a central figure in Odysseus's journey when she detains him on her island for seven years. This period of detention is a critical aspect of Odysseus's trials, as it represents a forced idleness and a test of his longing for home and his wife, Penelope.
Calypso is often portrayed as a beautiful and enchanting figure, who offers Odysseus immortality and eternal youth if he will remain with her. Despite these enticing promises, Odysseus yearns for his home in Ithaca and his wife, Penelope. His steadfastness in the face of Calypso's allure is a testament to his character and the strength of his desire to return to his life and duties as a husband, father, and king.
The detention of Odysseus by Calypso is not merely a physical confinement but also a psychological and emotional one. She offers him companionship and a life free from the mortal coil, yet he is tormented by his longing for his homeland. This internal conflict is a key theme in the Odyssey, highlighting the human condition's struggle between the allure of the unknown and the comfort of the familiar.
Eventually, the gods intervene. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and a protector of Odysseus, pleads with Zeus to aid Odysseus in his plight. Zeus sends the messenger god Hermes to Ogygia to command Calypso to release Odysseus. Reluctantly, she complies, and Odysseus is allowed to leave the island. However, she provides him with a raft and assists him in setting sail, indicating that despite her initial desire to keep him, she has developed a certain respect and affection for the hero.
Calypso's character in the Odyssey is complex. She is both a captor and a caretaker, embodying the dual nature of the nymphs in Greek mythology. Her actions serve to highlight Odysseus's virtues and the challenges he must overcome to fulfill his destiny. The time spent with Calypso is a significant period in Odysseus's journey, as it underscores the theme of longing and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Calypso's role in the Odyssey is multifaceted. She detains Odysseus on Ogygia, offering him immortality and a life of ease, yet he remains steadfast in his desire to return home. Her character serves as a catalyst for exploring the themes of longing, the human condition, and the hero's journey. The intervention of the gods and her eventual compliance in releasing Odysseus add layers to her character and the narrative, making her a memorable figure in the epic tale.

Calypso (/k??l?pso?/; Greek: -----˦Ԧ-?, Kalyps--) was a nymph in Greek mythology, who lived on the island of Ogygia, where, according to the Odyssey, she detained Odysseus for seven years.