Circe
Circe is a goddess associated with drugs and transformation in Greek mythology. In The OdysseyThe OdysseyThe Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic traditionally attributed to Homer (epic poet). Across 24 books it follows Odysseus’s return to Ithaca after the Trojan War and reunion with Penelope (Greek mythology) and Telemachus, interweaving sea adventures, recognition, household order and human choices.Open the full entry she turns members of Odysseus’s crew into pigs, later restores them and gives essential guidance for their onward journey.
Contents5 sections
Key facts
Transformation on Aeaea
Members of the crew enter Circe’s home, consume food and wine containing drugs, and are struck with her wand. They become pigs while retaining their minds. Eurylochus, who waits outside suspecting a trap, returns with the news. The episode forms part of Odysseus’s retrospective account in Book 10.[1]
The Crew Restored
Moly supplied by Hermes (Greek god)Hermes (Greek god)Hermes is a divine messenger associated with commerce and guiding souls in ancient Greek religion and mythology. In The Odyssey he carries Zeus (Greek god)’s orders, assists Odysseus against Circe and leads the suitors’ souls to the underworld.Open the full entry protects OdysseusOdysseusOdysseus is the legendary hero of Ithaca, protagonist of The Odyssey and a Greek leader in The Iliad. His long return from the Trojan War to Penelope (Greek mythology) and Telemachus centers on cunning, disguise, endurance and recognition.Open the full entry. A threat and an oath establish terms with Circe, who restores the crew. They remain for a year. Her role changes from a source of danger to host and knowledgeable helper.[1]
The Consultation of the Dead
When Odysseus asks to leave, Circe directs him first to consult the dead seer Tiresias. She provides directions and instructions for offerings and approaching the dead, moving the journey into an encounter with death, memory and future obligations.[1]
Warnings About the Next Dangers
After his return, Circe explains how to pass the Sirens (Greek mythology)Sirens (Greek mythology)The Sirens are dangerous singers encountered by sailors in Greek mythology. In Odyssey Book 12, Odysseus follows Circe’s advice: his crew block their ears with wax and bind him to the mast, allowing him to hear without stopping the ship.Open the full entry, confront the passage between Scylla and Charybdis, and avoid harming the Sun’s herds. She rejects a conventional fight with ScyllaScyllaScylla is the cliff-dwelling monster with six long-necked heads in Odyssey Book 12. She seizes six members of Odysseus’s crew as they pass, while Charybdis threatens destruction on the other side of the passage.Open the full entry and urges swift passage to avoid total destruction.[2]