Second-class power

Magic then is a second-class power, it does not compare to the powers of tradition or of the gods. It has to work in secret to achieve its ends. So, although Circe changes Odysseus’ companions into swine, she has no power over Odysseus himself. Magic is defeatable by other magic. And Odysseus’ magic is more acceptable because a legitimate god confers the wisdom of its use to Odysseus. However, Hermes, can’t protect Odysseus from Circe’s physical charms, and the hero does eventually succumbs to the power of the magic user.

This represents the idea that users of magic are not to be trusted because of the powers they are prepared to pursue and use. This is indicated by the fact that Circe can not only transform men into beasts but is also able to predict the future. This ability is linked in with another magical motif of the Odyssey epic, described in later chapter of the book. Following Circe’s instructions, Odysseus digs a trench, pours out an offering to the dead a drink that consists of honey, milk, wine and water, and slaughters two black sheep in such a way that their blood runs into the ditch. This attracts the shades of the dead in flocks and by drinking the blood they regain, for a short time, the ability to communicate with the living and pass on their knowledge of the future.