Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom, Odysseus's guardian
and protector in many ways. They are both extremely clever figures, which bonds them.
Gods often have "favorite" mortals and meddle in their lives. Athena really admires
Odysseus's qualities, so she makes him into one of her "favorites." In a way, she is his
patron goddess. (It also helps that Athena and Poseidon, who hates Odysseus, have a bit
of a rivalry.)
Odysseus has been imprisoned on Calypso's
island, Ogygia, for about seven years. Calypso is a nymph who has fallen in love with
Odysseus and wants to make him her immortal husband. As time passes, Odysseus grows more
and more depressed as his desire to go home to his true love (his wife Penelope)
increases. Athena want to help him get home, so she goes to her father Zeus and asks for
his help. Zeus sends the messenger god Hermes to Calypso. He tells her to let Odysseus
go. Calypso is angry, but eventually concedes and helps Odysseus leave the
island.
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