Poseidon's Storm
Poseidon raises a storm that wrecks Odysseus' raft from Ogygia.
Overview
Poseidon's storm in Odyssey Book 5 turns sustained divine hostility into a specific maritime disaster. After Odysseus has sailed for many days from Ogygia, Poseidon sees him, gathers cloud, strikes the sea with his trident and releases winds from every quarter. A wave breaks the raft apart and leaves the hero clinging to its timbers. The saving veil of Ino-Leucothea and Athena's restraint of the winds finally allow him to reach the Phaeacian shore. The event shows Poseidon increasing the cost of return without overturning the destination already permitted by Zeus.
Key facts
Winds from every quarter
Odyssey Book 5Poseidon gathers cloud and stirs the sea so winds from east, south, west and north combine against the raft.
Veil and swim to shore
After the raft breaks, Leucothea supplies her veil and Athena restrains part of the storm, and Odysseus swims away from the wreck.
Relationships
- Poseidonraises
Poseidon spots Odysseus at sea and raises the storm.
- Odysseusendures
Odysseus' raft breaks apart in the storm.
- Poseidoncauses
The sea god gathers winds and waves to break the raft.
- Scheriacasts onto
The storm ultimately casts Odysseus toward the Phaeacian shore.
- Calypsoprecedes
After leaving Ogygia, Odysseus is spotted at sea by Poseidon.
Story appearances
- The Odyssey HomecomingFinal divine assault before Phaeacia
Poseidon sees Odysseus on the raft and raises the waves that destroy it.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.