Thursday 15 January 2015

Circe

In Greek mythology, Circe (or Kirke) was described as a goddess of magic or sometimes a nymph, witch, enchantress or sorceress. Circe was the daughter of Helios, the god of the sun, and Perse, an Oceanid. Her brothers were Aeetes, the keeper of the Golden Fleece, and Perses. Her sister was Pasiphae, the wife of King Minos and mother of the Minotaur. According to other version, Circe was described as the daughter of Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft.
Circe

Circe was renowned for her vast knowledge of potions and herbs. Through the use of magical potions and a wand or a staff, she transformed her enemies, or those who offended her, into animals. Circe was exiled to the solitary island of Aeaea by her subjects and her father for ending the life of her husband, the prince of Colchis. 
Glaucus and Scylla


                                                  Glaucus1 sea-god, born mortal and turned immortal upon eating a magical herb. He became half man and half fish, with long strands of seaweed for hair. Glaucus fell in love with a beautiful girl named Scylla, but she was frightened of his appearance and rejected him. He went to Circe and asked for a spell to make Scylla love him, but Circe fell in love with him instead. 
Circe poisoning the pool where Scylla bath..

Circe tried to win his heart with her most passionate and loving words, telling him to scorn Scylla and stay with her. But he replied that trees would grow on the ocean floor and seaweed would grow on the highest mountain before he would stop loving Scylla. In her anger, Circe poisoned the pool where Scylla bathed, transforming her into a terrible monster with twelve feet and six heads. Scylla fled to a cave on top of a dangerous cliff and attacked any sailors that came within her reach.
Circe, Odysseus and Odysseus companions, whom she changed into swine



                                                                                    The Greek hero Odysseus visited her island, Aeaea, with his companions, whom she changed into swine. But Odysseus, protected by the herb moly (a gift from Hermes), compelled her to restore them to their original shape. He stayed with her for one year before resuming his journey.  In some versions, it was stated that Circe bore Odysseus three sons: Ardeas (or Agrius), Latinus; and Telegonus, who ruled over the Tyrsenoi.
Circe and Odysseus


                                  According to some versions, Medea (daughter of Aeetes) and Jason stopped on her aunt Circe's island so that she could be cleansed after the murder of her brother, relieving her of blame for the deed. In some versions, the sea god Poseidon had sex with Circe and Phaunos (or Faunus) was born from their union.
            According some versions, Circe leave island of Aeaea or even destroying the island and moving to Italy, where she was identified with Cape Circeo.

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