Odyssey Book 5

Ulysses has been held captive by Calypso for seven years. They have had an intimate, sexual relationship, and during this time, Calypso has yearned to make Ulysses her husband, which would also grant him immortality. However, Ulysses longs only to return to Penelope, and his kingdom. 

Several gods have agreed that Calypso should free Ulysses. Most of the gods have a favorable view of Ulysses, seeing him as a noble and honorable man. The exception is the God of the Sea, Poseidon. Poseidon harbors a deep grudge against Ulysses, as Ulysses had long ago been responsible for blinding Poseidon's son, Cyclops. 

Because of the command from Zeus, Calypso begrudgingly releases Ulysses and helps to prepare him for the journey home. Ulysses is overcome with emotion at the prospect of being reunited with his family and his kingdom.

However, when Poseidon finds Ulysses' ship, he causes the ship to wreck on the island of Scheria, inhabited by people known as the Phaeacians. 

Phaeacians are welcoming and kind, and take Ulysses in. Ulysses relates his experiences of the past few years to them.

Analysis

Athena has lobbied the gods, namely Zeus, for the release of Ulysses from Calypso's captivity. Athena employs ironic sarcasm when making her plea to Zeus, as she requests to never again permit a mortal king to be decent and just since a man with these noble qualities is never rewarded for his integrity. The point is recognized by Zeus, and he commands the release. 

Notably, Ulysses has an extended sexual relationship with Calypso, while Penelope is expected to remain chaste in his absence. The culture of the time was able to easily reconcile and accept this seemingly double standard.