Calypso (mythology) - Definition and Overview

In Greek mythology Kalypsō (Greek: 'Καλυψώ', 'I will conceal'), or Calypso, was a sea nymph, daughter of Atlas, who delayed Odysseus on her dark and depressing island (Ogygia) for seven years.

Athena intervened and asked Zeus to order her to let him go. Zeus sent Hermēs and Kalypsō reluctantly agreed. She had promised him immortality if he stayed. He left to be with his beloved Penelope. Kalypsō died in grief. With Odysseus, she was the mother of Nausinous.

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