Circe The daughter of Helius and Perseis, she was a sorceress on the island of Aeaea and reknowned for her knowledge of magic and poisonous herbs. She is best known for her habit of turning men into swine.

On his return from the Trojan War, Odysseus  sent a group of his men to inspect her island, and through the use of potions, Circe transformed them into swine. When Odysseus went to rescue his men, he encountered Hermes, who told him how to counter Circe's charms and gave him the antidote, the magic herb moly, whose "root is black and flower as white as milk." He ate Circe's food unharmed and threatened her with his sword when she tried to turn him into a pig. Recognizing Odysseus, Circe made love to him instead and prepared a feast for him. Still, Odysseus refused to eat until she had changed his companions back to human form, which she did. Odysseus lived with Circe for a year and by her begot a son, Telegonus. Urged by his men, Odysseus finally asked Circe to help him go home. She agreed, and told him that he first had to go to the Underworld and there ask for directions from the prophet Tyresias.