Circe
1
9.9
- proper noun
- /ˈsɜrsi/
- Literature
- Circe tells a man, "You are filthy, you're a pig," and he becomes a pig.
- Circe and Odysseus
- Circe's enchantments
- Circe's victims
Examples
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"At the start of the dialogue, Circe tells Odysseus that a return to human shape will bring ruin on his men.
Academic text (1997) -
But the goddess Circe thought building an amusement park on top of it was a good idea.
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Do you know who Circe was?
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- Circe, I made a mistake...
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The war is over, Circe.
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Circe was said to do that, change men into the beasts they most resembled.
Fiction book (1994) -
Robert Fagles, in his recent translation of The Odyssey, renders the lines: "Circe, the nymph with lovely braids, an awesome power too, who can speak with a human voice."
Academic text (1997) -
In Greek mythology, Circe is known for transforming Odysseus's men into pigs.
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The sorceress Circe lived on an island, where she enchanted her visitors.
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According to legend, Circe helped Odysseus find his way home after keeping him captive.
Synonyms
15
8.2
A woman who uses magic to change things
Surface Forms
Etymology
Circe comes from the old Greek name Κίρκη, which may come from a word for a 'hawk' or a 'bird of prey'. That image fits the stories because Circe is a powerful sorceress who captures and changes people, so her name feels dangerous and strong.