Circe.
The island’s dangerous welcome
Circe: Greek Goddess of Magic and Odysseus’s Enchantressis the divine enchantress of Aeaea who changes ’s companions into pigs. After their confrontation, she becomes a host and adviser whose knowledge helps the travelers face the dangers ahead.
More than a myth.
Who is Circe in the Odyssey?
identifies as a daughter of and Perse and a sister of . Her house stands on Aeaea, surrounded by unnaturally tame wild animals. The visitors find a woman singing at a loom and a meal that resembles hospitality. The setting becomes threatening when a drink and a touch of her wand change their bodies.
Odysseus and the herb moly
intercepts and gives him the protective plant moly, together with instructions for confronting . Once the enchantment fails, Odysseus makes her swear that she will not harm him and requires the restoration of his men. The episode makes divine information and a binding promise necessary before trust can replace danger.
Circe becomes a guide
The company remains for a year before turning again toward home. explains how must consult the dead, and afterward warns him about the Sirens, , , and the cattle of . Her role changes within the poem: the power that initially obstructs the journey also supplies knowledge without which it would be still more perilous.
Questions about Circe
Is Circe a goddess or a witch?
The describes a divine being with magical knowledge. Enchantress identifies what she does, while goddess describes her status in the poem.
How is Circe related to Medea?
is the sister of ’s father , making her Medea’s aunt in the familiar solar .
It’s a family affair.
The stories of Circe.
Ancient voices.
Enduring stories.
Myths have many tellings. These are the ancient works behind this profile, linked to freely available English translations.
Odyssey
Book 10.135–574
Odyssey
Book 12.1–141
Theogony
Lines 956–962