STORY 53:58 listening time
The episode opens in year seven of Odysseus’ long, largely undocumented sojourn on Calypso’s island. Odysseus is longing for home, apparently unmoved by the promise of immortality with a goddess. Up on Mount Olympus: Athena pleads Odysseus’ case, Zeus relents, and Hermes is sent to Calypso’s island with orders that “Odysseus must be set free”. And as the episode concludes, Odysseus the master wordsmith engages in careful rhetorical diplomacy, tactfully soothing the wounded pride (and the jealousy) of a most-unhappy goddess.
COMMENTARY: THE GODDES ATHENA’S “PRACTICAL WISDOM” listening time 9:19
First, I provide a primer on Athena, the goddess of metis wisdom. Next, I discuss Athena’s special relationship with Odysseus: a relationship which will dominate the remaining episodes of our story. Finally, I clarify how Athena’s metis wisdom differs profoundly from the “moral wisdom” of our favorite magical beings: Merlin, Gandalf, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Dumbledore.
RELATED IMAGES
I struggle to find details – title of work, name of artist, date – for some images. If you can help, please forward information to me. Thanks. Jeff
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- Hermes instructs Calypso to release Odysseus
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- Odysseus and Calypso, Sir William Flint Russell, 1880-1969
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- ULYSSE ET CALYPSO by ARNOLD BOCKLIN , 1827-1901
While listening to this particular podcast, the personification of a “virgin goddess” from history who favored “clever rogues” came to mind. She was wise in counsel and strategy, even a warrior as a last resort. (She was also known to be merciless on more than one occasion!) Her father was very much a “Zeus-type” as well. You probably can guess … QUEEN ELIZABETH I !!!