Circe: The Goddess of Sorcery - (Greek Mythology Explained)

Mythology & Fiction Explained2 minutes read

Circe, a powerful sorceress in Greek mythology, transformed Odysseus' men into swine but failed to enchant Odysseus himself, later aiding him in his journeys before a tragic event led to Odysseus' death at the hands of his son Telegonus.

Insights

  • Circe, a powerful sorceress in Greek mythology, transformed Odysseus' crew into swine but failed to enchant Odysseus himself, ultimately aiding him with magical advice and herbs.
  • The tragic demise of Odysseus at the hands of his own son, Telegonus, due to a fatal spear from Circe, highlights the complex and intertwined relationships between mortals and deities in Greek mythology, often leading to unforeseen consequences and profound grief.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Who was Circe in Greek mythology?

    Circe was a goddess of sorcery.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Circe: Goddess of Sorcery in Greek Mythology

  • Circe, also known as Killakee, was a goddess of sorcery in Greek mythology, the daughter of Helios and Perse, with siblings Pasiphae and Aeetes.
  • Circe was skilled in transmutation, illusion, and necromancy, residing on an island with docile animals that were once humans transformed by her sorcery.
  • In Homer's Odyssey, Circe transformed Odysseus' men into swine with a magical potion, but Odysseus, warned by Hermes, resisted her sorcery and rescued his crew.
  • Circe attempted to seduce Odysseus, but he outsmarted her, and she later advised him on his voyages, even helping bring Odysseus back from the dead using magical herbs.
  • Tragedy ensued when Telegonus, one of Odysseus' sons, unknowingly killed his father with a spear from Circe, leading to a chain of events resulting in deaths and grief.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.