Introduction

In Book 10 in The Odyssey, we are first introduced to the entrancing sorceress, Circe. Before we are though we begin Book 10 with Odysseus’ crew on a voyage from the attack that occurred with the Laestrygonians and the loss of some of the crew. They had stumbled upon the island of which Circe resides on, Aeaea, then half of Odysseus’ crew decided to explore the island a few days into their rest on the beaches of the island. When Eurylochus, second-in-command on the crew, leads one half of the crew to the house where we then meet Circe for the first time as Odysseus stays on the beaches with the other half. Within the passage that this crew meets her it states how the crew are first confronted, with what seems to be, vicious wolves and lions. However, as they get closer to the home of Circe the animals seem to greet the men quite friendly. We find out that this is due to the drugs Circe tames them with, but nonetheless unexpected. Then soon after this encounter the crew hears the voice of Circe greeting them. The imagery explaining this first encounter with, from the crew’s perspective, of Circe explains why the men feel comfortable walking, and eventually being, in her home. The amount of buildup of this first interaction definitely represents how she is going to be an important figure within the building of Odysseus’ role as a hero.

Chosen Passage

The passage I have chosen in Book 10 I feel explains the importance of the comfort Circe utilizes in order to lure in men begins from lines 210-225. The imagery that stuck out to me the most is the description of the animals on the crew’s way up to the house. It begins with, “ Round it were mountain wolves and lions, which she tamed with drugs. They did not rush on them, but gathered round them in a friendly way, their long tails wagging, as dogs nuzzled round their master when he came back home from dinner with treats for them,” (212-217). With the imagery of the relationship between an actual dog and its owner it seems to create an understanding to the audience how friendly these animals were despite the circumstances. This imagery is important as it exposes to the audience it is not always what you see is what you get. But, what this says about Circe is her ability to make these visitors feel secure that there is no harm towards her home as this is the complete opposite of what her actual intentions are.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I feel that there is a lot of imagery within Book 10 that seems to describe Circe and her true intentions. Obviously, within the lines 210-225 display a certain image in my head that allows me to have a better understanding of Circe as a character without even really having an interaction with her. It truly proves how intelligent Circe is in her way of ‘manipulating’ men into believing they are safe on her island.