How does Aeolus help Odysseus have a smooth journey?

Aeolus, the god of the winds, aids Odysseus by providing him with a bag containing all the unfavorable winds, allowing him to sail home smoothly. He instructs Odysseus to release only the west wind, which guides his ship toward Ithaca. However, when Odysseus' crew, curious about the bag, opens it prematurely, they unleash the winds, leading them off course. This crucial assistance underscores Aeolus's role in facilitating Odysseus's journey, albeit temporarily disrupted by his crew's actions.