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Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Circe

Enchantress who turned Ulysses' men into swine on her island.

minor

First appearance: i introduction

Circe shows up with force in Author's Preface. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Enchantress who, jealous of Scylla, uses magic to transform her into a monster.
In the storyProserpine—Glaucus and ScyllaOpen this moment free

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

In Proserpine—Glaucus and Scylla: Enchantress who, jealous of Scylla, uses magic to transform her into a monster. Later, in Glaucus and Scylla: The enchantress who, jealous of Glaucus' love for Scylla, transforms…

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The fuller portrait of Circe sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Circe in i introduction

Character Web

19 connections

A slice of how Circe sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

ULUlyssesSCScyllaMEMercuryTHTheseusCUCupidCICirce

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Miscellaneous Mythological and Romance Figures
  • Greek and Trojan Heroes
  • Virgilian and Ovidian Figures
  • Greek Mythological Heroes

+14 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Circe appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Circe unlock in the free preview.

See Circe in i introduction
Who is Circe in Bulfinch’s Mythology?