Circe

Table of Contents

1. BOOK DETAILS

2. SYNOPSIS

3. SUMMARY

4. REVIEW 

5. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

6. BOOK X MOVIE

1. BOOK DETAILS

Full Title:

Circe

Genre:

Mythological Fiction, Historical Fantasy

Category:

Adult Fiction

Author:

Madeline Miller

Point of View:

First-person (Circe’s perspective)

Setting:

Ancient Greece, primarily the island of Aiaia

Characters:

• Circe – A nymph and daughter of the Titan Helios, who discovers her powers in exile.

• Helios – The powerful sun god and Circe’s cruel father.

• Pasiphaë – Circe’s manipulative sister and the mother of the Minotaur.

• Daedalus – A brilliant inventor and Circe’s fleeting love interest.

• Odysseus – The cunning hero who lands on Circe’s island during his journey.

• Telemachus – The son of Odysseus, who plays a key role in Circe’s later life.

• Penelope – Odysseus’ wife, who forges an unexpected bond with Circe.

• Scylla – A monstrous sea creature created through Circe’s magic.

2. SYNOPSIS

Born to the all-powerful Titan Helios and the nymph Perse, Circe grows up feeling like an outsider among the gods. Unlike her divine relatives, she lacks beauty and power—until she discovers her gift for witchcraft. When she transforms a mortal into a god, Zeus, threatened by her abilities, banishes her to the isolated island of Aiaia.

In exile, Circe hones her magic, taming wild beasts and perfecting the art of transformation. But her solitude is frequently interrupted—by gods, monsters, and legendary heroes like Daedalus and Odysseus. She faces trials of love, betrayal, and survival, ultimately redefining her place in the world.

A mesmerizing feminist retelling of Greek mythology, Circe explores themes of power, independence, and self-discovery. Madeline Miller breathes new life into the story of a once-feared witch, making her a complex and unforgettable heroine.

3. Summary

Circe – Chapter-Wise Summary

Chapter 1: A Different Child

Circe, daughter of Helios, the powerful Titan sun god, and Perses, a sea nymph, is born feeling different from her divine family. Unlike her radiant and commanding relatives, Circe is awkward, overlooked, and seemingly powerless. She grows up craving attention but remains an outcast in the halls of the gods.

Chapter 2: The Mortal Glaucus

Circe discovers Glaucus, a mortal fisherman, and becomes enamored with his humility and kindness. Unlike the arrogant gods, he treats her as an equal. Desperate to make him strong enough to be with her, she experiments with pharmakeia—witchcraft derived from nature—and transforms him into an immortal sea god. However, Glaucus, now powerful, becomes vain and cruel, betraying her by choosing the beautiful nymph Scylla over her.

Chapter 3: Scylla’s Curse

Blinded by jealousy, Circe uses her newfound power to curse Scylla, turning her into a terrifying sea monster. She expects this act to bring her satisfaction, but instead, she is horrified by what she has done. This use of dark magic draws the attention of the gods, and she is summoned to Zeus' court, where her punishment is decided.

Chapter 4: Exile to Aiaia

As punishment, Zeus and Helios banish Circe to the island of Aiaia, where she is to live in solitude. Though intended as a humiliation, her exile becomes liberating. She begins to explore her abilities, cultivating her craft and learning the true extent of her magic.

Chapter 5: The Art of Witchcraft

Alone on Aiaia, Circe hones her skills, learning to mix herbs and cast spells. Unlike the gods, who rely on innate power, her magic requires effort, study, and mastery. She discovers that her abilities are tied to the natural world, making her unique among her kind.

Chapter 6: Encounters with Hermes

The trickster god Hermes visits her island, bringing news from the outside world. He becomes Circe’s occasional lover but never more than a temporary amusement. Through him, she learns that the world continues without her, with wars and heroes rising and falling.

Chapter 7: Daedalus and Pasiphaë

Circe is summoned to Crete by her sister Pasiphaë, a cunning and cruel queen. Pasiphaë demands her assistance in an unnatural birth—she has mated with Poseidon’s sacred bull and is carrying the monstrous Minotaur. With the help of Daedalus, a brilliant inventor and architect, Circe helps deliver the creature, witnessing the terrifying consequences of divine arrogance.

Chapter 8: The Arrival of Men

Back on Aiaia, Circe’s solitude is interrupted by sailors and pirates who wash up on her shores. Some seek her wisdom, but many see her as an easy target. When a group of men tries to assault her, she defends herself with magic, transforming them into pigs—a spell that becomes her infamous trademark. This act solidifies her reputation as a witch feared by men.

Chapter 9: Odysseus and the Year of Love

The legendary hero Odysseus arrives on her island after the Trojan War. Unlike other men, he is cunning, charming, and deeply wounded by years of war. He and Circe form a deep, passionate relationship, spending a year together. Unlike her previous encounters, this love is built on mutual respect.

Chapter 10: Bearing a Child

Odysseus eventually leaves to continue his journey home, and Circe discovers she is pregnant with his child. She prepares for the challenges of motherhood alone, determined to protect her baby from both mortals and gods.

Chapter 11: The Birth of Telegonus

Circe gives birth to Telegonus, a half-mortal, half-divine child. Though she adores him, she fears the gods may see him as a threat. She works tirelessly to shield him from their reach, crafting spells of protection and raising him in the safety of Aiaia.

Chapter 12: The Struggles of Motherhood

Unlike the divine children of Olympus, Telegonus is fragile and mortal, constantly at risk of illness and injury. Circe, unaccustomed to vulnerability, becomes fiercely protective, but she soon realizes that she cannot shield him from his destiny forever.

Chapter 13: Telegonus Seeks His Father

As Telegonus grows, he becomes restless, longing to meet his father, Odysseus. Despite Circe’s warnings, he sets sail for Ithaca, determined to find him. She fears the worst, knowing that fate often twists in cruel ways.

Chapter 14: Odysseus’ Death

Telegonus reaches Ithaca, but his arrival ends in tragedy. In a cruel twist of fate, he accidentally kills Odysseus with a divine weapon. Devastated, he brings Odysseus’ widow, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus, back to Aiaia, setting in motion a new chapter in Circe’s life.

Chapter 15: Penelope and Telemachus

Circe and Penelope form an unexpected bond, two women shaped by the whims of the gods. Unlike Odysseus, who was always scheming, Telemachus is quiet and steadfast, the opposite of his father. Circe finds herself drawn to him in a way she never expected.

Chapter 16: Facing the Gods

The gods, particularly Athena, take interest in Telemachus, seeking to control his fate. Athena offers him a place among the heroes, but he refuses, choosing a quiet life instead. Circe, inspired by his defiance, realizes that she, too, has a choice—to reject the path the gods have set for her.

Chapter 17: Choosing Mortality

Circe makes a bold decision: she chooses to shed her divinity and embrace a mortal life with Telemachus. Unlike the other gods, who exist in endless cycles of power and vengeance, she desires a life of love, growth, and finality.

Chapter 18: A Life Beyond the Gods

As she steps into her new life, Circe’s story transcends her exile, her fears, and her divine lineage. She chooses a path of humanity and love, breaking free from the shackles of her birth to write her own fate—one not dictated by gods, but by her own will.

Analysis of Circe by Madeline Miller

Characters

• Circe – The novel’s protagonist, Circe is a nymph and the daughter of the Titan Helios and the sea nymph Perse. Unlike other gods, she possesses a deep curiosity about mortals and develops powerful witchcraft abilities. Her journey is one of self-discovery, independence, and resilience as she learns to embrace her power and identity in a world that often seeks to diminish her.

• Helios – The sun god and Circe’s father, Helios is arrogant, cruel, and obsessed with power. He views Circe as weak and unworthy, reinforcing her feelings of isolation. His lack of empathy serves as a contrast to Circe’s evolving humanity.

• Pasiphaë – Circe’s sister, Pasiphaë is cunning, manipulative, and ambitious. She marries King Minos and gives birth to the Minotaur. Unlike Circe, she embraces her divine heritage and uses her power for self-serving ends. Their tense relationship highlights the different paths available to divine women.

• Aeëtes – Circe’s brother and the eventual ruler of Colchis, Aeëtes is the father of Medea and possesses great magical abilities. Though initially close to Circe, he ultimately distances himself, choosing his own ambitions over their sibling bond.

• Glaucus – A mortal fisherman whom Circe loves, Glaucus is transformed into a god through Circe’s magic. However, he quickly becomes vain and cruel, abandoning Circe for the nymph Scylla. This betrayal is one of the first harsh lessons Circe learns about love and power.

• Scylla – A nymph whom Circe transforms into a monstrous sea creature after she steals Glaucus’ affection. This act of vengeance is one of Circe’s first uses of magic and a defining moment in her journey.

• Hermes – The trickster god and messenger of Olympus, Hermes is charming and playful but ultimately self-serving. He provides Circe with information and companionship but remains detached and untrustworthy.

• Daedalus – The brilliant mortal inventor who creates the labyrinth for King Minos. Unlike the gods, Daedalus is kind and thoughtful, and Circe forms a deep connection with him. Their brief romance is marked by mutual respect and admiration.

• Odysseus – The legendary Greek hero of The Odyssey, Odysseus washes up on Circe’s island and becomes one of the most significant figures in her life. He is intelligent, charismatic, and deeply flawed, embodying both the brilliance and brutality of humanity. Their relationship is complex, filled with both passion and deception.

• Telemachus – The son of Odysseus and Penelope, Telemachus is unlike his father in many ways—he is thoughtful, kind, and not driven by the same thirst for glory. His presence in Circe’s life represents a different path, one where she can finally find peace.

• Penelope – The wife of Odysseus, Penelope is wise and patient, mirroring Circe in many ways. When she arrives at Aiaia, the two women form a bond based on mutual understanding and resilience.

Setting

• Mount Olympus – The realm of the gods, where Circe is constantly overlooked and dismissed by her powerful family. Her time here highlights the cruelty and arrogance of the divine world.

• Aiaia (Circe’s Island) – The primary setting of the novel, Aiaia is both a prison and a sanctuary for Circe. Though she is exiled here, it is where she discovers her strength, refines her magic, and learns to embrace solitude. Over time, it becomes a place of transformation, love, and healing.

• Crete – Home to Pasiphaë and the monstrous Minotaur. Circe’s visit to Crete exposes her to the brutal realities of her sister’s world, further emphasizing the different paths they have taken.

• Ithaca – The home of Odysseus, where Circe eventually encounters his wife and son. Ithaca represents the consequences of war and the burdens of heroism.

Themes

• Power and Transformation – Circe begins as a powerless nymph, but through magic and resilience, she becomes one of the most powerful witches in mythology. Her transformation is both literal (through her magic) and emotional (through her journey of self-discovery).

• Female Autonomy and Strength – The novel is a feminist reimagining of The Odyssey, focusing on a woman who carves out her own fate despite the limitations imposed by gods and men. Circe’s struggle for independence reflects a broader theme of women seeking control over their own lives.

• Mortality vs. Immortality – Circe exists between the divine and mortal worlds. Unlike the other gods, she values human experiences, including love, pain, and change. Her ultimate choice to embrace mortality is a rejection of the cold, unchanging nature of the gods.

• Love and Loneliness – Throughout her life, Circe experiences deep loneliness, seeking love and companionship in various forms. However, she ultimately learns to find fulfillment within herself rather than relying on others.

• Fate vs. Free Will – The novel questions whether individuals can escape their predetermined roles. While the gods are bound by fate, Circe gradually learns that she has the power to shape her own destiny.

Narrative Style

• First-Person Perspective – The novel is told from Circe’s point of view, allowing readers to experience her emotions, thoughts, and growth firsthand. This intimate storytelling makes her struggles and triumphs more personal.

• Lyrical and Mythic Prose – Miller’s writing is poetic and immersive, blending the grandeur of Greek mythology with a deeply personal and introspective tone. Her descriptions of nature, magic, and emotion create a vivid and enchanting atmosphere.

• Slow-Building Character Arc – Unlike traditional adventure-driven myths, Circe is a character-driven story. The novel follows Circe’s growth over centuries, making her transformation feel gradual and profound.

Audience and Reception

Circe was widely acclaimed and became a bestseller, praised for its feminist perspective, lyrical prose, and fresh take on Greek mythology. It appeals to fans of historical fiction, mythology, and character-driven narratives. Readers who enjoyed The Song of Achilles or The Odyssey will find Circe a compelling and thought-provoking reimagining of one of mythology’s most misunderstood figures.

4. REVIEW

REVIEW: Circe by Madeline Miller

My Opinion

Circe is a mesmerizing and beautifully written reimagining of the life of the famous enchantress from Greek mythology. While she is often portrayed as a minor antagonist in The Odyssey, Madeline Miller gives Circe a voice, turning her into a complex, independent, and deeply human character.

The novel follows Circe’s journey from her early life as a nymph in the halls of the gods to her exile on the island of Aeaea, where she hones her witchcraft and encounters legendary figures like Daedalus, Odysseus, and Medea. Throughout the story, she struggles with loneliness, power, love, and the question of what it truly means to be mortal or divine.

Miller’s writing is lyrical and immersive, bringing Circe’s emotions, triumphs, and tragedies to life. Unlike the traditional myths where she is often depicted as a villain or a mere obstacle for heroes, this book presents her as a woman seeking agency in a world dominated by gods and men.

Why It Is Worth Reading

This novel is a must-read for those who love mythology, feminist retellings, and character-driven narratives. Miller skillfully blends Greek mythology with modern themes, making Circe’s story both timeless and deeply relevant. Themes of power, transformation, resilience, and self-discovery are woven throughout, making it more than just a retelling—it’s a journey of personal growth and defiance against fate.

The novel’s pacing is steady, with moments of quiet introspection balanced by encounters with famous mythological figures. Circe’s evolution from a naive nymph to a powerful witch is deeply satisfying, and her interactions with Odysseus, in particular, add layers of complexity to both their characters.

For Whom It Is Recommended

Circe is perfect for readers who enjoyed The Song of Achilles, The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker, or A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes. Fans of mythology, historical fiction, and feminist retellings will find it particularly compelling.

It’s also a great book for those who appreciate poetic prose and introspective storytelling. However, readers looking for a fast-paced, action-heavy plot might find it slower than expected, as the novel focuses more on character development and themes of identity.

Criticisms

While Circe is a beautifully crafted novel, its introspective nature and slower pacing may not appeal to everyone. Some readers might find the middle portion of the book repetitive, as Circe spends much of her time alone on her island.

Additionally, because the novel covers a vast timespan—Circe being immortal—some events feel condensed, and certain relationships (such as her connection with Daedalus) could have been explored in more depth.

Despite these minor issues, Circe is a powerful and unforgettable novel. It reclaims a once-overlooked character and transforms her into a symbol of strength, independence, and self-determination.

5. Author

About the Author

Biography

Madeline Miller is an American author and classicist, renowned for her modern retellings of Greek mythology. Born in 1978 in Boston, she earned her BA and MA in Classical Studies from Brown University. Before becoming a full-time writer, she spent over a decade teaching Latin, Greek, and Shakespeare.

Her debut novel, The Song of Achilles (2011), won the Orange Prize for Fiction and brought her international acclaim. She followed it with Circe (2018), a bestselling novel that reimagines the story of the famous witch from The Odyssey. Miller’s works are celebrated for their lyrical prose, emotional depth, and fresh feminist perspectives on ancient myths.

What Inspired the Author to Write the Book

Miller has long been fascinated by Circe, a minor character in The Odyssey often depicted as a villainous sorceress. She wanted to explore Circe’s story from her own perspective, giving her a voice beyond the traditional narratives that paint her as a mere obstacle for Odysseus.

She was also inspired by themes of transformation, both literal (as Circe turns men into pigs) and personal (her journey from outcast to powerful, self-possessed figure). Miller drew from her own experiences as a teacher and scholar to craft a deeply personal, feminist reimagining of Circe’s tale.

Influences from the Author’s Life in the Book

Miller’s deep knowledge of Greek mythology and classical literature is evident throughout Circe. She carefully weaves together myths from The Odyssey, The Argonautica, and other ancient texts, giving Circe a richly detailed and historically grounded narrative.

Her background in teaching and theatre influenced her storytelling style, making the novel accessible and emotionally compelling. She crafts Circe as a fully realized, complex character, exploring themes of isolation, power, and self-discovery.

Additionally, Miller’s interest in feminist reinterpretations of mythology shaped Circe. By centering the story on a female figure often overlooked or misrepresented, she challenges traditional portrayals of women in myth, presenting Circe as a resilient, independent protagonist who carves out her own destiny.

With Circe, Madeline Miller delivers a powerful, poetic reimagining of a mythological figure, transforming her into a symbol of strength, wisdom, and defiance.

Book Club Questions for Circe by Madeline Miller

• How did this novel change your perception of Circe compared to her portrayal in The Odyssey?

• The novel follows Circe’s journey from a naive daughter of Helios to an independent and powerful witch. What were the key turning points in her transformation?

• How did you interpret Circe’s relationships with other characters, such as her father, Daedalus, Hermes, and Odysseus?

• Circe spends much of the novel in isolation on her island, Aiaia. How does this affect her growth and understanding of the world?

• The book presents a different view of the gods, portraying them as detached and cruel. How does this compare to other Greek mythology retellings you’ve read?

• Circe’s role as a mother to Telegonus adds another dimension to her character. How does motherhood influence her choices?

• The novel explores themes of fate versus free will. Do you think Circe ultimately escapes her destiny, or does she fulfill it in a different way?

• Circe often struggles with her identity as both a god and someone who seeks human connection. Did you find her more relatable as a goddess or as a woman?

• The book highlights the treatment of women in Greek mythology, particularly how they are often silenced or overshadowed. How does Circe challenge these narratives?

• How did you feel about Circe’s final decision at the end of the novel? Was it the ending you expected?

• If Circe were adapted into a film or TV series, what aspects would be most important to include?

• Would you recommend this book to someone who isn’t familiar with Greek mythology? Why or why not?

6. BOOK X MOVIE

BOOK X MOVIE

The Book:

Circe by Madeline Miller is a feminist reimagining of the life of the sorceress Circe, a character from Greek mythology best known for her role in The Odyssey. The novel follows Circe’s transformation from an outcast nymph to a powerful witch living in exile on the island of Aiaia. Through encounters with gods, mortals, and mythological figures like Odysseus, Daedalus, and Medea, the book explores themes of identity, power, and self-discovery.

Miller’s lush prose and deep character development make Circe a compelling retelling that humanizes its protagonist while staying true to the mythological source material.

Movie Adaptations:

While Circe has not yet been adapted into a movie, HBO Max announced plans for a TV series adaptation in 2019. The series was expected to be an eight-episode drama, though there have been no major updates on its progress.

Potential Adaptation Challenges:

• Capturing the novel’s rich inner monologue and Circe’s emotional journey on screen.

• Effectively portraying the magical elements without overshadowing the intimate, character-driven narrative.

• Bringing the various mythological figures to life while maintaining Circe’s unique perspective.

• Staying faithful to the novel’s feminist themes while ensuring broad audience appeal.

Overall Comparison:

Since a film or TV adaptation has yet to be released, Circe remains an untapped story with huge cinematic potential. If adapted well, it could offer a visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of one of Greek mythology’s most complex female figures.