Calypso's Power In The Odyssey

In the Odyssey, Calypso, a Greek goddess, says “You unrivaled lords of jealousy- scandalized when goddesses sleep with mortals,” (Book 5, 131-132). This quote can be seen as an accurate representation of the constant power struggle between gods and goddesses in the Odyssey; Calypso points out the male gods’ hypocrisy and argues for her right to sleep with mortal men. The concept of this power struggle can be seen in three of the main goddesses: Calypso, Athena, and Circe as the story progresses. Throughout the Odyssey these goddesses gain their power by deceiving men and manipulating them, but are then limited in power by the authority of other men.

In the Odyssey Calypso is found to be very untrustworthy and manipulative, and her actions

As it states, “I welcomed him warmly,cherished him, even vowed to make the man immortal”,(Book 5, Line 150-151). Calypso wanted Odysseus as a husband so she tricked him by showing him respect, convincing Odysseus to stay for a decade. This proves that Calypso is clever. However, she is powerless and weak to the commands of Almighty Zeus. For example, the text states, “ … let the man go-if the Almighty insists, commands”,(Book 5,line 154). Calypso shows that she must let Odysseus go because she cannot deceive the Almighty Zeus. If she deceived the authority there would be huge repercussions because Zeus is a god and Odysseus is a normal man. Calypso may be able to deceive a normal man for love, however, cannot play tricks on a god. (Atiquz

She uses her charm and hospitality to ensnare Odysseus’ crew, desperate from shipwreck and homesickness. Her deception is evident in book 12, line 261-265: “Once they’d drain the bowls she filled, suddenly struck her wand… all of them bristling into swine.” When Odysseus enters Circe’s palace for the first time, he immediately feels “anguish”. This again shows the power that Circe has over the men who enter her palace. Depicting that aside from the drug, the goddess seems to have a negative, persuasive power over their spirits. Circe is portrayed as a goddess using manipulative powers beyond that of just her magic wand. However, Circe’s power is kept in check by the moly plant given to Odysseus by Hermes and Odysseus’ blade. After Odysseus triumphs Circe’s power, Circe obeys Odysseus and nurtures his crew to good health and supplies them with provisions for their journey ahead. Circe attempts to overpower Odysseus but is eventually defeated by the help of Hermes. (Andy