Book V of twenty-four · From Calypso to Phaeacia

Departure of Odysseus from Calypso

Freed, wrecked, Odysseus swims to Phaeacia

The gods decree that Odysseus must go home, and Hermes orders Calypso to release him. Calypso helps him build a raft, but Poseidon wrecks it in a storm once he nears Phaeacia. Aided by the sea-nymph Ino and by Athena, Odysseus swims through pounding surf to a river mouth and collapses to sleep, exhausted, in an olive grove on the shore.

Argument, 1871 Hermes despatched by Zeus to Calypso with a message commanding her to send away Odysseus —A raft constructed by Odysseus —His departure on the raft —A storm raised by Poseidon, and the raft destroyed —Escape of Odysseus from the tempest, and his landing on the isle of Scheria, inhabited by the Phaeacians.

Episodes of Book V

1. Olympian Council — Gods free Odysseus, Calypso yields
   • Gods Debate Odysseus’ Fate
   • Hermes Journeys to Calypso’s Isle
   • Hermes Delivers Zeus’ Decree
   • Calypso Protests, Then Yields
2. Calypso Releases Odysseus — Calypso frees Odysseus, bids farewell
   • Calypso Offers a Raft
   • Odysseus Demands an Oath
   • Calypso’s Final Appeal
3. Voyage and Shipwreck — Odysseus sails, Poseidon wrecks raft
   • Building and Launching the Raft
   • Poseidon Spots Odysseus
   • Poseidon Wrecks the Raft
4. Adrift on the Sea — Ino aids Odysseus, Poseidon curses him
   • Ino Gives a Magic Veil
   • The Raft Breaks Apart
   • Poseidon’s Parting Curse
   • Adrift Off a Rocky Coast
5. Landing on Phaeacia — Odysseus reaches river, sleeps among olives
   • Battered Against the Rocks
   • Exhausted on the Riverbank
   • Rest Beneath the Olives