Circe by Madeline Miller

✨"When I was born, the word for what I was did not exist". ✨

Circe presents itself as a feminist dimension of Homer’s Odyssey- Miller’s primary instinct is to portray the classic Greek mythology, which mainly focuses on Male Gods, from the perspective of the women involved in them, and she crafts it so that these old tales have a modern twist, therefore of relevance.

Although the book is clearly about Greek Gods and Goddesses, Miller’s mighty characters are human in emotions- this is highlighted by the motherly instincts Circe shows towards her newborn son Telegonus or when she is spending time with Daedalus. The titular character is the powerful witch of Aiaia and she is sentimental; she is exiled for her powers and her misuse of them. In Aiaia, she is exposed to flora and fauna which she employs to further her alchemical powers- she has a tamed lion as her pet, she is mixing herbs and chanting spells.

Her story truly begins when she starts turning men, who come to her island in search of food and shelter and upon knowing her lonely status would rape her, into pigs. She becomes ruthless and enjoys torturing these men. Miller’s writing in chapters dealing with this narrative truly reflects the Circe’s feeling- her anger and her pride in her powers.

One fateful time, Odysseus lands on her island for food and shelter along with his men. She expected it to go as per usual- they’d wine and dine, they’ll eye her in a ravishing manner and try to force her and she would watch them turn to pigs, thanks to the poison mixed in their wine. But Odysseus was polite, his men were keen on eating and drinking rather than on raping her. She took a liking to them but she adored Odysseus- she beds him, lets him stay on the island till the winter passes and he pays her back by helping her around the island.

The last time they lay together, she gets pregnant and does not tell him. He leaves the island to go back to Ithaca, to his wife Penelope and his son, Telemachus. Soon enough, her son is born- a mortal whom she deeply cares for and loves. His childhood was although rocky and filled with loud cries, he grew up to listening to his mother telling false stories about his father which makes him want to see him. He sets sail to Ithaca- This is the climax of the story, and the rest that follows is the falling action.

Upon his return to the island, it is revealed that Odysseus died in a misunderstanding and that Telemachus and Penelope were shunned from their kingdom, for the crown prince did not avenge his father’s death.

The story concludes with Penelope taking upon witchcraft, Telegonus accepting Athena’s offer of ruling a kingdom and Telemachus and Circe, travelling around the world.

Miller’s structure of the book- from Circe’s childhood to her womanhood- reflects the growth of the titular character. Young and timid Circe was unaware of her powers and constantly sought validation from her father, Helios, who couldn’t be bothered. She was bullied by her mother, her brother and her sister for her ugliness and her unpleasant voice. Through her experiences, she learns to navigate her life. She understands the weaknesses of Gods. She understands what she is capable of.

Miller also incorporates snippets of other, related stories of Daedalus and Icarus, the ultimate fate of Medea after she and Jason leave Aiaia and the birth of the Minotaur. Her writing, although prosaic, is very poetic- the entire book is narrated by Circe and what she perceives is what the readers know.

A fantastic and familiar tale chronicled in a new and fresh approach, Circe by Madeline Miller is a book that takes the readers along with the protagonist on a magical journey. 🧡

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Greek Mythology.