In this pa**age of cla**ic Greek literature, The Odyssey, we see the goddess Calypso arguing with the hero Odysseus over whether or not Odysseus should stay and live with the goddess our take a dangerous journey to try and return to his wife Penelope. The Odyssey itself is greatly about both literal and metaphorical journeys. The obvious is the main plot with Odysseus trying to return home, but there are others like Odysseus's son Telemachus' metaphorical journey into manhood (which coincidentally is manly shown by Telemachus journeying overseas). Odysseus fought in the Trojan war for 10 years on the side of the victorious Greeks, and now after has spent several years on the island Ogygia with the goddess Calypso. After being away from his beloved wife for so long our hero now wants to leave Calypso and the island to return to his kingdom, son, and wife. The goddess is not fond of the idea and offers Odysseus immortality, shelter on the island, and of course her divine beauty for all of eternity. Even with these tempting offerings Odysseus refuses and insists he must leave and return to his life before the war. Odysseus has been through many hardships and obstacles during his time at war and has prevailed over them all; he is considered the most clever and cunning of all Greeks. He now believes even as only a mortal that he can overcome any challenge using his superior wit. Calypso warns Odysseus of the terrible things that lie at his wake should he choose to venture back to his kingdom, but Odysseus does not heed this warning. Nothing will stop him from returning to his wife Penelope.
From http://cla**ics.mit.edu/, Book V of "The Odyssey"
Calypso smiled at this and caressed him with her hand: "You know a great deal," said she, "but you are quite wrong here. May heaven above and earth below be my witnesses, with the waters of the river Styx- and this is the most solemn oath which a blessed god can take- that I mean you no sort of harm, and am only advising you to do exactly what I should do myself in your place. I am dealing with you quite straightforwardly; my heart is not made of iron, and I am very sorry for you."
When she had thus spoken she led the way rapidly before him, and Ulysses followed in her steps; so the pair, goddess and man, went on and on till they came to Calypso's cave, where Ulysses took the seat that Mercury had just left. Calypso set meat and drink before him of the food that mortals eat; but her maids brought ambrosia and nectar for herself, and they laid their hands on the good things that were before them. When they had satisfied themselves with meat and drink, Calypso spoke, saying:
"Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, so you would start home to your own land at once? Good luck go with you, but if you could only know how much suffering is in store for you before you get back to your own country, you would stay where you are, keep house along with me, and let me make you immortal, no matter how anxious you may be to see this wife of yours, of whom you are thinking all the time day after day; yet I flatter myself that at am no whit less tall or well-looking than she is, for it is not to be expected that a mortal woman should compare in beauty with an immortal."
"Goddess," replied Ulysses, "do not be angry with me about this. I am quite aware that my wife Penelope is nothing like so tall or so beautiful as yourself. She is only a woman, whereas you are an immortal. Nevertheless, I want to get home, and can think of nothing else. If some god wrecks me when I am on the sea, I will bear it and make the best of it. I have had infinite trouble both by land and sea already, so let this go with the rest."
Presently the sun set and it became dark, whereon the pair retired into the inner part of the cave and went to bed.
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