In this post, I am introducing you to Circe by Madeline Miller, a mesmerizing retelling of Greek mythology through the eyes of one of its most fascinating figures. First, we will explore the story of Circe, following her journey from an outcast nymph to a powerful witch who shapes her own destiny. Then, we’ll dive into the key characters who influence her life, from gods and heroes to mortals and monsters. Finally, for those looking to discuss the book in more depth, I’ll provide some thought-provoking book club questions to spark discussion.
Madeline Miller Circe Summary
Circe, born to the sun god Helios and the nymph Perse, is different from the other gods. She lacks the striking beauty of the nymphs and the effortless power of the Titans, making her an outcast among her own kind. Mocked and underestimated, she finds solace in the mortal world and, in a moment of raw emotion, discovers her hidden gift: witchcraft.
When she transforms the mortal Glaucos into a god out of love—only to watch him abandon her for the beautiful nymph Scylla—her jealousy leads her to curse Scylla, turning her into a terrifying sea monster. This act exposes Circe’s power, and the gods, wary of her abilities, exile her to the remote island of Aiaia.
Alone in exile, Circe hones her craft. She learns to harness the power of herbs, chants, and rituals, building her strength and knowledge as a witch. Though isolated, she is not forgotten. Gods and mortals alike find their way to her island. She encounters Hermes, who amuses himself by keeping her company. Daedalus, the famed craftsman, arrives, and they form a quiet bond. Later, he gifts her a loom that becomes one of her most treasured possessions.
Over time, Circe crosses paths with legendary figures from myth. She shelters the pregnant Pasiphae and helps deliver the Minotaur, a child born of unnatural desire, whom she later helps Minos control. When Jason and Medea arrive after their violent escape with the Golden Fleece, Circe cleanses them of their crimes, unaware of the full extent of their brutality.
Her most infamous encounter comes when Odysseus and his men land on her shores. Initially wary, she transforms his men into pigs as a form of self-defense, fearing them to be like other predatory men who have come before. However, Odysseus proves cunning and resistant to her magic, leading them into an uneasy truce. Over time, they become lovers, and he stays with her for a year before continuing his journey home.
After Odysseus departs, Circe discovers she is pregnant with his child. She gives birth to Telegonus, a mortal boy with divine lineage. Her love for him is fierce, but so is her fear—knowing the dangers the world holds for him. She raises him alone, teaching him about gods and men, but when he grows restless, she allows him to leave and seek out his father.
Tragedy strikes when Telegonus reaches Ithaca, and in a cruel twist of fate, Odysseus is killed by the very weapon his son carries—a poisoned spear given to him by the gods. Grief-stricken, Telegonus returns to Aiaia with Odysseus’ widow, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus. An unexpected bond forms between Circe and Penelope, both women shaped by loss and endurance.
As the novel nears its end, Circe, weary of the gods and their eternal interference, makes a choice that no god before her has dared—she seeks to unmake her immortality. In a quiet but powerful act of defiance, she prepares a potion to transform herself into a mortal, choosing a finite, human life over an eternity of godly detachment. The novel closes with her stepping into the unknown, fully embracing the life she has chosen for herself.
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Characters
Here are the main characters that shape Circe’s journey as she moves from exile to self-discovery.
- Circe – The novel’s protagonist, Circe is the daughter of Helios, the Titan sun god, and the nymph Perse. Unlike the other gods, she is neither strikingly beautiful nor inherently powerful, making her an outcast. Over time, she discovers her talent for witchcraft, which leads to her exile on the island of Aiaia. Throughout the novel, she evolves from a lonely, rejected immortal into a powerful, independent woman who ultimately chooses mortality over the gods’ endless cruelty.
- Helios – Circe’s father, the Titan god of the sun. He is arrogant, prideful, and completely indifferent to Circe’s struggles. He values power and prestige above all else and has little patience for his daughter’s perceived weakness.
- Perse – Circe’s mother, an Oceanid nymph. She is cold, dismissive, and obsessed with status, caring little for Circe beyond how she reflects on her own social standing.
- Pasiphae – Circe’s cruel and cunning sister, later married to King Minos of Crete. She manipulates Circe into assisting in the unnatural conception of the Minotaur, a creature she views as her ultimate source of power.
- Aeëtes – Circe’s brother and the ruler of Colchis. He is the father of Medea and is highly skilled in magic, though he, like the rest of their family, looks down on Circe for much of the novel.
- Scylla – A nymph whom Circe curses out of jealousy, transforming her into a monstrous sea creature. Scylla becomes infamous for preying on sailors, including those in Odysseus’ crew.
- Prometheus – A Titan who is punished for giving fire to humanity. As a child, Circe secretly offers him comfort, an act that influences her lifelong fascination with mortals.
- Hermes – The mischievous messenger god who visits Circe on Aiaia, bringing news from the outside world. He is charming but self-serving, using Circe’s exile as a source of entertainment.
- Daedalus – The brilliant mortal craftsman who builds the Labyrinth for King Minos. He and Circe share a brief but meaningful connection, and he gifts her a loom that becomes a symbol of her self-reliance.
- Jason & Medea – The infamous couple who arrive at Circe’s island seeking cleansing for their crimes after stealing the Golden Fleece. Medea, Circe’s niece, is cunning and ruthless, while Jason is ambitious but weak.
- Odysseus – The legendary Greek hero who washes up on Circe’s island with his men. Cunning and silver-tongued, he becomes Circe’s lover and stays with her for a year before returning to Ithaca. He is both admirable and deeply flawed, marked by his intelligence, deceitfulness, and the burdens of war.
- Telegonus – Circe and Odysseus’ son. Restless and eager to explore the world, he sets out to meet his father but accidentally causes Odysseus’ death. He later returns to Aiaia with Odysseus’ widow, Penelope, and his half-brother, Telemachus.
- Penelope – The wife of Odysseus, known for her cleverness and resilience. After Odysseus’ death, she and her son, Telemachus, travel to Aiaia, where she forms a bond with Circe as two women who have suffered under the weight of the gods and men’s expectations.
- Telemachus – The son of Odysseus and Penelope. Unlike his father, he is serious, thoughtful, and uninterested in war or heroism. He and Circe eventually form a quiet and profound connection, leading her to consider a future with him.
Book Club Questions
Here are some thought-provoking book club questions to spark discussion about Circe:
- How does Circe challenge traditional portrayals of gods and heroes in Greek mythology?
- In what ways does Circe’s exile shape her character and abilities?
- How does Circe’s relationship with mortals differ from her interactions with gods?
- What role does motherhood play in Circe’s transformation as a character?
- How does Madeline Miller use magic as a metaphor for power and self-discovery?
- What do you think about Circe’s relationship with Odysseus? Was he a hero or a manipulator?
- How do Penelope and Circe’s experiences as women compare, and why do they form a bond?
- What does Circe’s final choice—to become mortal—say about her journey and identity?
- How does the novel’s feminist perspective reshape the way we see Circe’s role in mythology?
- If you could ask Circe one question about her life, what would it be?
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into Circe and the fascinating world Madeline Miller has brought to life. If you haven’t yet read Circe, I highly recommend picking it up. It’s a rich and immersive story that will transport you to the world of gods, witches, and mortals, exploring themes of power, identity, and self-discovery.