Circe: The Sorceress Who Didn't Need Saving
Oh, Circe—witch, goddess, and the original queen of "boy, bye." Long before witches were burned or misunderstood, this lady lived her best life on her enchanted island, turning toxic visitors into literal pigs. And you know what? They had it coming.
Let’s start at the beginning. Circe, daughter of Helios (yes, the actual Sun), wasn’t exactly a darling in the family. Her siblings were gods and monsters, but Circe? She was the black sheep—a mortal-loving, magic-wielding misfit who made everyone uncomfortable. When she dared to transform a lover into a sea monster (oops), the gods banished her to a remote island.
Now, most might cry over exile, but not Circe. She built herself a killer island retreat, stocked it with spellbooks, and said, "Fine, I’ll hex my own happily ever after." She became infamous for her magical prowess, but it wasn’t all turning people into animals—though she was excellent at that. Her potions could heal or destroy, depending on whether you knocked politely or came with attitude.
Enter Odysseus. When he and his men washed up on her shores, she gave them a feast, laced with a little "know-your-place" potion, and voilà—pigs. Honestly, if you show up uninvited and rude, you get what you deserve. Odysseus, ever the charmer, convinced her to reverse the spell, but not without agreeing to some...shall we say...mutual interests? They became allies (and lovers), and Circe even helped him survive the sirens and Scylla.
But here’s the twist: Circe wasn’t some lovesick damsel. When Odysseus left, she didn’t chase after him or curse his name. She had better things to do, like raising her son and continuing her magical experiments. Her story is one of independence, defiance, and not settling for anyone who can’t handle a powerful woman.
➡ The Takeaway
Circe wasn’t a villain or a victim—she was a force of nature. Her tale is a reminder that you don’t need to conform to anyone’s expectations. Whether you’re mixing potions or building your own empire, never apologize for living unapologetically.
Next up, Achilles! Stay tuned to the Immortal Gazette, where myths get roasted and heroes get humbled by yours truly, Rumplestiltskin!
