“Circe.” Greek Mythology Link. Carlos Parada and Maicar Förlag, n.d. Web. 22 October 2014.

“Circe.” Myths Encyclopedia. Advameg, Inc., n.d. Web. 22 October 2014.

1)  What is Circe’s reasoning behind turning people into animals?

Driven by rage and jealousy, Circe converts those who oppose her into animals.

She justifies her wrong-doings by believing that it is acceptable to expose a person

for what she thinks they are and literally, by the power of potions, chants, and

worship of strange gods, turn them into just that.

2)  How does the environment in which Circe lives contribute to her behavior?

Circe lives in her own palace on an island. She rarely has visitors, and of those

little visitors, most are turned to animals for simply having different ideals and

opinions. Being isolated from society influences her inability to reason with others.

3)  Has Circe been portrayed differently in another text? How so?

 The Italian version differs from the Greek version in the aspect that Circe is

slightly more sympathetic. Italian Circe is still not exactly a good sorceress;

however, she grants immortality. Greek Circe, on the other hand, only converts

enemies into animals, such as swine.

Circe: Goddess/Sorceress

Parents: Helios (Sun God) and Perse/Perseis (Ocean Nymph)

Residence: The Island of Aeaea

In The Odyssey by Homer, Circe turns Odysseus' men into pigs. This video explains how she does so.