Religion was deeply intertwined with the culture of the ancient Greeks. In their stories, they prayed to the gods to meet their needs and offer assistance in their endeavors, and the gods occasionally appeared to select Greeks to give advice, gifts, or other forms of help. Alternatively, if the desires or efforts of one or more mortals displeased one or more of the gods, they would also interfere with the achievement of their goals. In Homer's Odyssey, the gods appear to interfere with both Telemachus and Odysseus, to help or hinder them in their journeys. Although the gods are responsible for the difficulties Odysseus faces returning from Troy, they are equally responsible for motivating and assisting Odysseus and Telemachus on their respective journeys. Were it not for divine interference, neither Odysseus nor Telemachus would have voyages to make. The gods are primarily responsible for establishing the conditions under which history begins. While the Greek soldiers had returned home from Troy, Odysseus remained trapped while "the brightest goddess, Calypso, kept her hollow caves for him" because "she wanted him for a husband" (Homer, Odyssey 1.5, Allen Mandelbaum Translation). Calypso traps Odysseus on her island of Ogygia and “keeps sad Odysseus there, though he weeps. His words are affectionate and fragrant, sweet and soft, so he would treasure it to drive his Ithaca far away” (1.7). He remained in Ogygia for years, leaving the care of his home to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus. Because Calypso keeps him away for years, Odysseus is presumed dead, and his absence invites suitors to his home. These suitors try to win the hand of Penelope, Odysseus' wife. This state of affairs is the general cause of the d...... middle of paper ......a of Telemachus, fleeing from Calypso and the island of Ogygia, and of Telemachus from Ithaca to Pylos and Sparta to search for his lost father. While the Odyssey chronicles the courage shown by both men on their respective journeys, their quests are the result of the intentions and wishes of the gods. Odysseus is trapped in exile on Ogygia by the will of Poseidon, whose anger Odysseus attracts when he blinds the Cyclops Polyphemus, son of Poseidon, and by the love of Calypso, who wishes to make Odysseus her husband. He is released from Ogygia and allowed to return to Ithaca only by Zeus' command, as delivered by Hermes. Telemachus, instead of being trapped physically, was restrained emotionally, feeling helpless to repel the suitors wooing Penelope. Only thanks to the motivation of the goddess Athena did Telemachus find the will and courage to embark in search of Ulysses..