In the Odyssey Aeolus gave Odysseus a favourable wind and a bag in which the unfavourable winds were confined. Odysseus' companions opened the bag; the winds escaped and drove them back to the island.

How did Aeolus help Odysseus have a smooth journey?

Odysseus arrived on the island of Aeolia, ruled by the god Aeolus, Keeper of the Winds. ... Upon leaving, the wind-god gave Odysseus a bag made of ox-hide, trapping all the strong winds within. Aeolus warned Odysseus not to open the bag. Aeolus cause a favorable west wind, to blow Odysseus' ships towards Ithaca.

What does Aeolus do to help Odysseus Why isn't it successful?

What assistance does King Aeolus' give Odysseus and why isn't it successful? An unfavorable bag of winds. It isn't successful because Odysseus' men opened it thinking it was a bag of silver and gold, and get pushed back the the Aeolus' Island.