Summary of “Circe” by Madeline Miller
“Circe” is a novel by Madeline Miller that was published in 2018. It offers a unique retelling of the myth of Circe, the enchantress from Homer’s “Odyssey,” told from her perspective. Below is a detailed summary of the novel.
Introduction and Childhood
The novel begins with the birth of Circe, the daughter of Helios, the Titan sun god, and Perse, an Oceanid nymph. Despite her divine heritage, Circe is scorned for her seemingly mortal appearance and lack of power. Her voice is considered strange, and she lacks the blinding beauty typical of the gods.
Growing up, Circe is overlooked and belittled by her family. She feels out of place among the gods, relating more to the mortals whom the gods often toy with. Her feelings of isolation grow as she observes the cruelty and indifference of her divine relatives.
Discovery of Witchcraft
Circe’s life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her ability to perform witchcraft. Her powers are different from those of her divine relatives, grounded in the earth rather than the sky. She learns to draw strength from herbs and words, something that is considered lowly and frightening by the other gods.
Her transformation into a witch begins when she falls in love with a mortal fisherman named Glaucos. Wanting to make him immortal so they can be together, Circe turns him into a god using her newfound powers. However, Glaucos becomes infatuated with Scylla, a beautiful nymph. In a fit of jealousy, Circe turns Scylla into a hideous monster.
Exile to Aiaia
Her use of forbidden magic and transformation of Scylla draws the wrath of the gods. As punishment, Zeus exiles Circe to the remote island of Aiaia. Here, she hones her skills in witchcraft, learning to tame wild beasts and bend nature to her will.
Despite her exile, Circe’s island becomes a crossroads for gods, monsters, and mortals alike. She encounters various figures from Greek mythology, such as the cunning Hermes and the tragic Daedalus.
Meeting Odysseus
One of the most significant events in Circe’s life on Aiaia is the arrival of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s “Odyssey.” Their relationship is complex and multifaceted. Circe finds herself drawn to Odysseus’s intelligence and humanity, and they become lovers.
Through Odysseus, Circe gains a deeper understanding of mortality and the human condition. He stays with her for a year before resuming his journey home, leaving Circe pregnant with their child.
Transformation and Choice
The novel continues to explore Circe’s growth and transformation. She becomes a mother, giving birth to a son named Telegonus. Her love for her child and her growing connection to mortality lead her to a critical crossroads.
Fearing the wrath of the gods and the prophecy that her son will kill Odysseus, Circe must make a choice between her divine nature and her earthly connections. Her decision to pursue a mortal life represents a rejection of the cruelty and capriciousness of the gods.
Conclusion
“Circe” ends with Circe’s choice to embrace mortality, allowing her to live a life of meaning and connection. The novel’s final scene symbolizes her transformation, as she steps into the ocean, casting a spell to make herself mortal.
Throughout “Circe,” Madeline Miller explores themes of power, transformation, identity, and the human condition. By focusing on the character of Circe, often considered a minor figure in Greek mythology, Miller presents a feminist reimagining of the myth, highlighting the agency and complexity of a character who has often been reduced to a stereotype. The novel is a lyrical and evocative exploration of what it means to be human, seen through the eyes of a god who chooses to become mortal.