Next they come to the island of Thrinacia, also the home of the cattle of the the sun god Helios. Odysseus was warned not to eat the cattle or else the gods would become angry. They are stranded there for about a month because the winds had died. With their food supply gone, they crew becomes extremely hungry. And while Odysseus is sleeping one day, they slaughter some of the cattle and feast.

The next day the winds are good so they set off from the island. But out at sea a storm is brewed up by the gods, and all but Odysseus are killed. Odysseus floats helplessly for days before he comes to the island of Ogygia. The island is home to the beautiful nymph Calypso who he befriends and becomes lovers with.

After nine years with her, Odysseus is decreed to return to Ithaca by the gods. On a makeshift raft he sets sail for Ithaca at last.