Circe is a goddess of sorcery who is best known for trapping Odysseus and his men on her island for a year, and giving him warnings for his journey ahead. She is usually depicted with pigs or lions, and a cup.
Circe was the goddess of sorcery, the daughter of Helios and Perseis, and the sister of King Aeetes of Colchis and Queen Pasiphae of Crete. She was especially well-known for being able to transform people into animals, which she did to Odysseus’ men in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. When they landed on her island called Aeaea, a few of Odysseus’ men were sent to explore. One man managed to escape and tell Odysseus that Circe turned the rest of the men into swine. Hermes, the messenger god, arrived to give Odysseus a special herb that would protect him from Circe’s powers.
Circe managed to seduce Odysseus, and he and his men stayed on her island for about a year. Finally, he told her he had to leave for Ithaca again. Begrudgingly, she agreed to let him go, but first gave him instructions to visit Tiresias in the Land of the Dead, to allow himself only to hear the Sirens’ songs, and to avoid the dangers of Scylla and Charybdis.
In later versions of the myth, Odysseus stayed on the island much longer than a year, and he and Circe had three or four children together.
Helios and Perseis
Sorcery
Be sure to check out the lesson plans on The Odyssey!
Circe was a powerful enchantress in Greek mythology known for her ability to transform humans into animals using magical potions. She appears in Homer's Odyssey and is famous for aiding and challenging Odysseus during his journey.
Circe possessed magical powers such as casting spells, transforming people into animals, and creating powerful potions. Her abilities made her one of the most notable sorceresses in ancient stories.
Circe is important because she tests Odysseus and his crew by turning his men into pigs, but later helps Odysseus by giving him advice and shelter. Her role teaches lessons about temptation, wisdom, and transformation.
Odysseus escaped Circe’s magic with help from the god Hermes, who gave him a protective herb called moly. This allowed Odysseus to resist her spell and negotiate for his crew’s release.
Symbols linked to Circe include potions, wands, and animals like pigs, representing her magical abilities and transformation powers. These symbols often appear in art and literature about her.