Calypso (mythology)

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In Greek mythology Calypso (Greek: 'Καλυψώ', 'I will conceal', also transliterated as Kalypsó or Kālypsō), was a sea nymph, daughter of Atlas who lived on the island of Malta. She delayed Odysseus on her island (Ogygia) for seven years. While he was there, she bore a child named Nausinous. According to Apollodor her son is Latin. Athena asked Zeus to intervene. He sent Hermes to convince Calypso to release Odysseus, and she reluctantly agreed. Odysseus left to be with his beloved wife Penelope who waited for him at home even though Calypso had promised him immortality if he stayed. Some legends say Calypso died as a result of her grief. She was portrayed by Vanessa L. Williams in the TV miniseries, The Odyssey.

Homer, Odyssey V and VII; Apollodorus, Epitome VII, 24.

[edit] Daughter of Perse

Another Calypso is the daughter of Perse (and hence granddaughter of Oceanus and Tethys) and either Helios or Apollo.Also, Tia Dalma from "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is believed to be Calypso in disguise.

[1] The island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago, has a long tradition that links it with the mythical figure of Calypso.

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