Presentation Type
Oral/Paper Presentation
Abstract
Homer’s The Odyssey has remained significant for readers in dissecting the introspective attributes of Odysseus and the characters he meets throughout his journey. One character in particular has sparked much conversation in exploring the symbol of the woman in mythology. Circe, the enchantress who infamously turns Odysseus’ men into swine, has faced thousands of years under the microscope as scholars have questioned her role in the myth and the importance of her character. Circe’s actions directly derive from her goddess background; however, that is often overlooked when scholars discuss the progression of the myth after Circe’s episode, focusing instead on the elusive or alluring attributes given to her allegorical character. This paper explores the ways transformation and power are used to manipulate and create tension that carry the myth further. I aim to examine how Circe’s sorcery is pivotal for the progression of this myth, asking the ever important question “Why pigs?” that has clouded Circe’s character for centuries.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Willie Steele
Recommended Citation
Al Sadoon, Layla, "Harmony of the Swine: An Analysis of Circe in Homer’s The Odyssey" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 46.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/46
Included in
Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, History of Religions of Western Origin Commons
Harmony of the Swine: An Analysis of Circe in Homer’s The Odyssey
Homer’s The Odyssey has remained significant for readers in dissecting the introspective attributes of Odysseus and the characters he meets throughout his journey. One character in particular has sparked much conversation in exploring the symbol of the woman in mythology. Circe, the enchantress who infamously turns Odysseus’ men into swine, has faced thousands of years under the microscope as scholars have questioned her role in the myth and the importance of her character. Circe’s actions directly derive from her goddess background; however, that is often overlooked when scholars discuss the progression of the myth after Circe’s episode, focusing instead on the elusive or alluring attributes given to her allegorical character. This paper explores the ways transformation and power are used to manipulate and create tension that carry the myth further. I aim to examine how Circe’s sorcery is pivotal for the progression of this myth, asking the ever important question “Why pigs?” that has clouded Circe’s character for centuries.