Circe
Summary
Madeline Miller's Circe is a captivating retelling of Greek mythology that has taken the literary world by storm. This New York Times bestseller breathes new life into the story of the witch-goddess Circe, offering a fresh perspective on classic tales. Published in 2018, the novel has garnered critical acclaim for its feminist themes and vivid storytelling. Miller's work has been praised for its ability to humanize mythological figures and explore timeless issues of power, love, and identity.
Plot
In Madeline Miller's Circe, the titular character is born to the Titan sun god Helios and nymph Perse. Despite her divine parentage, Circe is considered unremarkable and is often neglected by her family. She discovers her power of witchcraft after transforming a mortal fisherman named Glaucos into a god. When Glaucos spurns her for the nymph Scylla, Circe's jealousy leads her to turn Scylla into a monster. As punishment for her actions, Zeus exiles Circe to the island of Aiaia.
On Aiaia, Circe hones her magical abilities and encounters various mythological figures. She assists her sister Pasiphaë in birthing the Minotaur, meets the craftsman Daedalus, and hosts Jason and Medea after their theft of the Golden Fleece. When a group of sailors arrives on her island and their captain rapes her, Circe uses her magic to transform men into pigs as a protective measure. This practice continues until she meets Odysseus, with whom she has a year-long affair and bears a son, Telegonus.
As Telegonus grows, Circe faces new challenges, including protecting him from the goddess Athena's wrath. She eventually allows him to leave the island to meet Odysseus, which leads to tragic consequences. The novel concludes with Circe finding love with Telemachus, Odysseus' son, and choosing to use her magic to become mortal so she can spend her life with him.
Themes
• Empowerment and self-discovery
• Isolation and loneliness
• Gender roles and feminism
• Power dynamics between gods and mortals
• Transformation and personal growth
• Love and its consequences
• The nature of divinity and humanity
Setting
Set in the Greek Heroic Age, Circe unfolds against the backdrop of a mythological world where gods, titans, and mortals coexist. The story spans centuries, beginning in the opulent halls of Helios' palace and eventually settling on the remote island of Aiaia, where Circe spends much of her exile.
The novel's geographical scope encompasses various iconic locations from Greek mythology. Readers are transported to the sun-drenched realm of the titans, the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean, and the labyrinthine palace of Crete. Miller vividly portrays these settings, from the glittering halls of Olympus to the wild, untamed landscapes of Aiaia.
Aiaia, Circe's island home, serves as the central setting for much of the narrative. This isolated paradise becomes a crucible for Circe's growth and transformation, a place where she hones her magical craft and encounters legendary figures from mythology. The island's lush forests, secluded beaches, and Circe's own enchanted dwelling provide a rich, immersive backdrop for the unfolding drama.
Characters
• Circe: The protagonist, a goddess and witch who is exiled to the island of Aiaia. She is the daughter of Helios and develops powerful magical abilities.
• Helios: Circe's father, the Titan god of the sun. He is powerful but dismissive of Circe.
• Perse: Circe's mother, a naiad nymph known for her beauty but cruel to her daughter.
• Aeëtes: Circe's younger brother who becomes a powerful sorcerer and king.
• Pasiphaë: Circe's sister, who becomes queen of Crete and mother of the Minotaur.
• Glaucos: A mortal fisherman Circe falls in love with and transforms into a god.
• Scylla: A nymph Circe transforms into a monster out of jealousy.
• Hermes: The Olympian god who visits Circe on her island and becomes her lover.
• Odysseus: The hero of the Trojan War who stays on Circe's island for a year and fathers her son.
• Telegonus: Circe's son with Odysseus, who accidentally kills his father.
• Penelope: Odysseus's wife who later comes to live on Aiaia with Circe.
• Telemachus: Odysseus's son with Penelope, who falls in love with Circe.
Quick facts
• The novel took Miller nearly 10 years to write and research.
• It debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list.
• Circe has been translated into over 30 languages.
• Miller drew inspiration from various ancient Greek texts beyond Homer's Odyssey.
• The book won the 2019 Indie Choice Award for Adult Fiction.
• An 8-episode TV adaptation is in development for HBO Max.
• Miller wrote much of the novel while teaching high school Latin and Greek.
• The audiobook is narrated by English actress Perdita Weeks.
• Circe was Miller's second novel, following her debut The Song of Achilles.
• The novel explores themes of feminism, mortality, and the nature of divinity.
About the author
Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller, born in 1978 in Boston, is an accomplished American novelist known for her modern retellings of Greek mythology. With degrees in Classics from Brown University, Miller spent over a decade teaching Latin, Greek, and Shakespeare to high school students while honing her craft as a writer. Her passion for classical texts and their adaptation to modern forms led her to further studies at the University of Chicago and Yale School of Drama.
Miller's debut novel, The Song of Achilles, was published in 2011 after ten years of writing. This reimagining of Homer's Iliad focuses on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. The book's critical acclaim culminated in winning the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012, establishing Miller as a formidable new voice in literary fiction.
Her second novel, Circe, released in 2018, further solidified Miller's reputation as a master of mythological realism. This feminist retelling of the story of the witch-goddess Circe became an instant bestseller and garnered numerous accolades, including the Indies Choice Best Adult Fiction of the Year Award. Miller's ability to breathe new life into ancient tales has resonated with readers worldwide, with her works being translated into over 25 languages.
Miller also regularly writes essays for various publications and released a short story, Galatea. Her writing style, characterized by its blend of classical scholarship and contemporary sensibilities, continues to captivate audiences. As of 2023, Miller was working on her next novel about the goddess Persephone, further exploring her niche in reimagining Greek mythology for modern readers.