Magic and Magicians: Circe and Odysseus

Circe was the sister of Pasiphae and daughter of the sun god, Helios. Like her relative Medea, Circe was wise in the ways of magic and possessed great knowledge about drugs and potions. Odysseus, commanding his one remaining ship on his long voyage home from Troy, landed on the isle of Aeaea where Circe dwelled and dispatched half his crew to investigate signs of habitation inland. These men came upon Circe singing at her loom and, once inside her domain, accepted a special brew that she concocted with her own wicked mix. With her wand she transformed them into swine and other animals, though their minds remained those of humans. Hearing of his comrade's fate from one who had lingered behind, Odysseus set out for Circe's house where he encountered Hermes on the path. The god of travelers provided him with an antidote for Circe's potion, the black rooted moly plant, which bears a white flower. This the hero successfully employed when the sorceress attempted to transform him like the others. After Odysseus threatened her with his sword, Circe quickly renounced all efforts at witchcraft and hailed him into her bed. Soon after, she changed his crewmen back into men, provided them with much advice concerning their forthcoming travels, and in time gave birth to Odysseus's son, Telegonus.