Why does Odysseus decline immortality?

I would personally disagree that Odysseus declines immorality, as that restricts him to a very black and white moral system. What I think he does do is reject lives of pleasure (Circe, Calypso), drugs or sedation (Lotus-Eaters), suicide, and even a significantly desirable life (the hypercivilized Phaecians (sp?)). read more

My reading has Odysseus as a sort of humanist hero, where he not-very-quickly identifies and maintains a life that he wants, imperfect though it may be, and does everything - EVERYTHING - to make it happen and to get back. read more

I think that Ithaca for Odysseus is the small warm circle of the motherland, family and predetermined possibility to embrace a wider circle of friends, to accept and understand his ancestors, villages, towns, humanity, peace, immortality and eternal youth. read more

In the Odyssey, Odysseus stays on the Calypso's island of Ogygia for 7 years. Other accounts say 5 years, while the story by Hyginus states one. read more