Sep 6, 2008

The Odyssey | Book 5 Summary and Analysis

New Characters
Hermes: the messenger of Zeus

Calypso: nymph who holds Odysseus captive for seven years

Odysseus: the epic hero of the narrative

Leukothea: sea goddess who aids Odysseus in his plight

Summary
At a council of the gods, Athene renews her suit to Zeus to free Odysseus from Calypso’s isle. Zeus complies, and sends Hermes on his way to break the news to Calypso. Hermes descends to earth from Mount Olympus, and alights on Calypso’s isle. There, he tells the beautiful goddess that Zeus wills her to release Odysseus. Though distraught and angry over...