Discuss this statement with reference to Odysseus’ relationships with Circe, Calypso and Nausicaa in Homer’s The Odyssey

Odysseus’ aim in Homer’s The Odyssey is to return to Ithaca following his exploits at Troy and once again see his wife, Penelope. However, he becomes distracted from this goal at several points along his journey by three women, each more beautiful than his wife and having a definite romantic interest in him. His relationships with the divine Circe and Calypso, followed by the goddess-like Nausicaa are varied in terms of both circumstance and intensity. Through Odysseus’ different experiences, Homer expresses his views regarding the complex nature of relationships between men and women.

The first woman Odysseus meets on his journey home is the beautiful, talented, bewitching Nymph, Circe. Initially, Odysseus initially, has no desire for a relationship with her. When they first meet he is, with advice from Hermes, attempting to free his men whom she has turned into pigs. With this divine aid, Circe’s potion has no effect on him at which she displays admiration, “You must have a heart in your breast

Odysseus’ initial encounter with the Nymph Calypso, following the destruction of his ship and death of his crew at Zeus’ hand, is not explored by Homer. When we come across the relationship in the poem, we see Odysseus trapped by her powers. He is unhappy on her island, and longs for home; He is “looking out across the barren sea with streaming eyes” (Od. 5: 84). Despite these feelings, or perhaps as a result of Calypso’s power over him, he continues to share her bed as he did with Circe. However, after seven years he tires of this and is eager to seize the opportunity of departure presented by Hermes. does show concern for his wife, and an impatience to return home, “I too know well enough that my wise Penelope’s looks and stature are insignificant compared with yours... Nevertheless I long to reach my home.” (Od. 5: 216-220). Unlike Circe, we see that Calypso has developed an obsessive of love for Odysseus and does not want him to leave, in fact she expresses a desire to marry him. She is angered by Zeus’ decision, but can no nothing but comply. Eventually, Odysseus wins her good will by comparing her favourably with his own wife, “I too know well enough that my wise Penelope’s looks and stature are insignificant compared with yours... Nevertheless I long to reach my home.” (Od. 5: 216-220). She is sad to see Odysseus go, but eventually sends him favourable winds that send him on his way. In comparison to the relationship between Circe and Odysseus, with Calypso, affection is not mutual. One figure has a much stronger desire f

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