CIRCE (KIRKE)
KIRKE Greek Name Κιρκη Transliteration Kirkê Latin Spelling Circe Translation Hoop Round ( kirkoô ) Circe and Odysseus’ men, Athenian red-figure pelike C5th B.C., Staatliche Kunstammlungen Dresden KIRKE (Circe) was a goddess of sorcery ( pharmakeia ) who was skilled in the magic of transmutation, illusion, and necromancy. She lived on the mythical island of Aiaia (Aeaea) with her nymph companions. When Odysseus came to her island she transformed his men into beasts but, with the help of the god Hermes , he overcame her and forced her to end the spell. Kirke’s name is derived from the Greek verb kirkoô meaning «to secure with rings» or «hoop around»–a reference to the binding power of magic. Kirke’s island of Aiaia (Aeaea) was located in the far west, near the earth-encircling River Okeanos (Oceanus). Her brother Aeetes’ realm in the far east was similarly named Aia (Aea). FAMILY OF CIRCE PARENTS [1.1] HELIOS & PERSEIS ...