Question: why has odysseus not returned home?
Answer: Odysseus had not yet returned home from the Trojan War because He had angered the god Poseidon by blinding Poseidon's son, Polyphemus. Poseidon has placed obstacles in his way. During Poseidon's absence, Athena asks Zeus to let Odysseus return home, She suggests that Hermes be sent to tell Calypso to release Odysseus.