In book 9 of the Odyssey, protagonist Odysseus relates his past adventures to the Phaeacians; this flashback explains how Odysseus ended up on Calypso's island. Specifically--following several other adventures--Odysseus incurred Poseidon's wrath by blinding the sea-god's son, Polyphemus the cyclops. Poseidon exacted revenge by shipwrecking Odysseus on the island of Calypso, the goddess who kept him prisoner for seven years. The Phaeacians ultimately provide Odysseus with transportation home to Ithaca. This action angered Poseidon, who still harbored anger toward Odysseus; thus, he raged against the Phaeacians as well.
Historians are undecided about whether Phaeacia was a real or mythical city. This article from the Harvard University Center for Hellenic Studies sheds more light on this issue if you are interested in learning more.
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