Circe Characters
This character is banished to Aiaia after Zeus learns about her use of transformation magic.
Who is Circe?
This symbol represents both physical obstacles and the internal struggles Odysseus must overcome to return home.
What is the sea?
This group of people abuses Penelope's hospitality, showing the dangers of unchecked greed and disrespect for xenia.
Who are the suitors?
Circe transforms this monster into a formidable threat, showing how her powers can have unintended consequences.
Who is Scylla?
Both The Odyssey and Circe explore the complexities of this theme, focusing on characters' abilities to adapt and change. What is it?
What is transformation?
This mortal teaches Circe about both companionship and betrayal during his stay on Aiaia.
Who is Odysseus?
This plant, which Circe uses for her potions, represents her connection to the natural world and her independence from other gods.
What is pharmaka (or herbs)?
This excessive pride often leads to a character’s downfall, as seen when Odysseus boasts to Polyphemus after escaping.
What is hubris?
In The Odyssey, Odysseus’ fate is influenced by this god’s anger, illustrating how divine forces shape human destinies.
Who is Poseidon?
This theme is demonstrated by Penelope,and violation of this theme could lead to a grisly death.
What is loyalty?
This character’s arrival on Aiaia reveals to Circe the complexities of loyalty, family, and love.
Who is Telemachus?
This act of transformation represents Circe’s power over life and her struggle with divine expectations.
What is turning men into animals (pigs)?
In Circe, this god’s disdain for Circe shows the Greek value that mortals and minor gods must respect the major gods’ power.
Who is Zeus?
After Odysseus' men eat the cattle of this god, they suffer dire consequences.
Who is Helios?
The importance of this skill and value is shown through Odysseus' leadership style.
What is being cunning?
The goddess who persistently demands that Circe give up her child, Telegonus.
Who is Athena?
This recurring motif, contrasting mortality and immortality, reflects Circe’s growing appreciation for human experiences.
What is mortality?
These people embody ideal xenia by welcoming Odysseus, helping him heal, and sending him back to Ithaca with riches.
Who are the Phaeacians?
Penelope tests Odysseus’ identity by asking him to do this with their bed.
What is move it?
Loyalty is a recurring theme in both stories. Which two characters demonstrate this theme in their relationships with Odysseus?
Who are Penelope and Telemachus?
This character’s relationship with Circe offers her a view of mortal life and strength, changing her understanding of love.
Who is Telemachus?
This place symbolizes the ultimate goal of Odysseus’ journey, representing peace, family, and identity.
What is Ithaca?
Telemachus’ journey to learn about his father’s deeds is driven by this value, as he seeks to understand Odysseus’ reputation.
What is kleos?
In the end, Circe makes this significant decision to embrace mortality and independence.
What is choosing to become mortal?
The ultimate lesson learned in both texts?
What is never mess with the gods.