Lena Singh, Period 6, 3/14/23

 FIRST BLOG (DURING): 

To preface, I knew nothing about Circe. I didn’t know she existed until I saw the beautiful cover in the Jamboard of Literature Circle. It didn’t intrigue me right away, but since I had time this January, I gave it a read. I think it was good of me to read it, because I had no expectations, no previous knowledge. I had nothing to compare her to, so I came in with a clean perspective. What I left with though… 

Welcome to my mind of chaotic thoughts!

Chapters 1-9: 

We get introduced to Circe and I immediately see her as the outcast, the black sheep of the family if you will. [Forcefully] Spending time at her father’s side, while being the subject of hatred by her mother and siblings. We get more information about her personality in her interaction with Prometheus. We know that she is not as cruel as the rest of the Gods that we see. 

• That’s it? He’s just leaving? I’m really mad at Aeetes for daring to leave Circe alone with the rest of the family. It honestly came as a shock to me because I saw their bond blooming and then all of a sudden, “boom,” he announces that he’s leaving for another kingdom. How easy is it to leave someone who loves you these days.  

• Glaucous, what a loser. What an idiot, useless man. And not Circe being kinda brainless.  She used pharmaka to get rid of all his problems and make him a God. Girl?

Okay, I’m getting some coming-of-age feels with her whole jealousy of Scylla and young love plotline. 

• Look at how fast the colors of people AKA Glaucous, change with just a bit of personality and money. 

• Because of Glacous’s attraction to Scylla she turns her into a monster. If Scylla weren’t such a - I would’ve been annoyed at Circe. I support women's wrongs, but Syclla was a bit extreme and Circe honestly should’ve held back. We all know she did it out of jealousy and not because Scylla wasn’t exactly the greatest. I don’t like the intention Circe did it with.  

• Not him knowing everything about Circe being a literal witch. I’m so on the fence about this guy. What exactly does he want? 

• Well you know what they say, the main character is always partially hidden meaning they always got secret powers somewhere. The main character is the lead for a reason. But it’s weird that she is the lead because women are never focused on! 

• Getting exiled?  getting a kingdom and her getting exiled? Gender discrimination much. It’s almost like it’s what she wanted with all that “confessing her crime” drama she was doing. Mature I guess.  

Now we’re at the island. That was quick. Well she’s started working on her magic/spells, honing her craft for hopefully the right reasons this time… She’s finding the positive in all this, which is a good thing for now. 

• Ummm Hermes is definitely suspicious. He seems so egotistical, like he’ll leave her whenever he feels like it. I think she might secretly know he’s full of it. I guess he knows she's desperate to know of the outside world because she’s trapped. But through him, she also learns that she appears weak. Which I’m not fond of. Also the Odysseus prophecy? Circe seems familiar now, cause I remember it was like an island Odysseus goes to and sleeps with the woman there for a few months. 

• Actually wow. As the "woman that sleeps with Odysseus." It shows how flawed our understanding of characters in myths and just women in general, is. I didn't know who Circe was, neither did I know all the teaedgies that occured in her life. That's why they say that diversity in perspective and stories is important. We don't know what someone went through, until we hear from their point of view instead of from outsiders. For example, Medusa. 

• I think between her being a woman living in a man's world and possessing magic, she gets to be one of few who doesn't need a man as a vessel to use her power. Her sister has Minos, Medea needs Jason in a way, and Perse depends on Helios. Independent women are feared so if you wanna remain in society, better keep yourself dependent and weak and hidden in the shadows. 

• Men don't show they're afraid of women, but Helios definitely was when he exiled her. It's almost funny. And something tells me only a woman could handle living on an island like that with only herself. 

Okay, her sister is definitely annoying me, but I think we’ll get some more insight on their relationship after this. But not Circe agreeing to go see her sister because she’s suffering in her pregnancy. Didn’t she treat you like crap?

• Sometimes I think Circe’s a fool, but then so are all women at points in their life. But going back to her sister for childbirth, ain’t no way. But maybe it’s because she wants to escape the island and the sister took advantage of that desire? Or maybe Circe hopes their relationship is somewhat salvageable? 

• Oh Daedalus, I see a romance brewing and it’s only gonna hurt them both in the end. She’s literally a Goddess… and well he’s not. 

• Not Scylla appearing again. Is this foreshadowing her importance to this story more? I was almost scared Daedalus was gonna die. Circe’s smart for that trick she pulled by posing as Scylla’s lover, got to give that one to her. 

Now we’ve almost reached the sister, Pasiphae. I love that name. But also what’s binding Daedalus? That name seems familiar. Is Pasiphae really gonna free her, I don’t believe that, but we’ll see…

Chapters 10-19:

• Uh - Pasiphae did it with a bull? I mean I can't tell if it was completely consensual, but nonetheless… what? Okay well her sister’s definitely left the realm of just mean and strange. 

• But I love the way Circe describes the monsters’ benefits to God. Like how that makes worshiping stronger, because I've thought about that before and didn’t dig too deep into it. But it’s like what if Gods created all these bad things and monsters so that you would continue to remember them? I love these kinds of alternative theories, it’s crazy. 

• Also, it makes me wonder why Gods are evil in Greek Mythology? Because that's such a theme of focus in Circe and like everything else I've read has never said a bad thing about Gods in any way. Whether it be fake or real stories. 

• Wait a second, Daedalus and Circe slept together just now? AHHHHH, can’t say I didn’t call it!

• …. What. wait. That’s the kid who …  Oh no Icarus… wait what about poor Daedalus? Does my guy just die? Wait no-

• You know what? Pasiphae is straight up psycho and evil, but she did make some sense in her little chat with Circe. In a way they’re both outcasts because they have so much potential, but little power… for now. Wait what if they team up? But also, not Minos thinking he all that. Be so for real you mortal man. Having sex with all these girls and expecting your wife to be quiet? Sounds about right. 

• Love Pasiphae’s curse on Minos though. Queen. 

Now we see Circe go back from where she came from, her precious island. 

• Well can’t say I expected Circe to just trot back to her island like that. 

• Hermes, go away seriously. I mean I knew her not wanting him would just allure him more. 

• What’s up with Gods and jealousy? Poor Ariadne. 

• Jason and Medea. Jason needs to go and Medea needs to get her head straight.

• Okay um Medea’s dense and ungrateful. He’s literally using her AKA “can’t handle the fact that she helped him in battle and wears the pants in the relationship.” And after Circe’s lecture, Medea got the nerve to say all that about Circe being lonely. Stop that. 

Not Aeates coming to see Circe for his dull daughter that ran away. Serves you, you ran away from Circe when she needed you. 

• Yes Circe, clap back at Aeetes. The Gods know he deserves that. 

Circe lets in a crew onto her island because she’s craving company. The men are respectful, it’s scary. 

• You have got to be kidding me. Honestly, I saw this coming, but I also did not. Why would you let in so many men into your island when you know you’re alone? But also the poor girl was just excited to have company. What they did to her is freaking horrid and unforgettable. (I was really shocked and had to put the book down because it was so quick and unexpected). It was a scene that didn't seem fleshed out, like we moved on so quickly. Maybe that's the meaning of something. To show how much strength she has in a situation like this, compared to how her old self would have handled it.  The way it was forgotten in a way, but also remembered because of all the future pig punishments, shows she's almost productive. That she doesn't dwell on things anymore. 

• Okay yes, turning them into pigs is a great idea. Could’ve been a better punishment, but now they can’t have sex and eat garbage all day. Yay? I guess this is where her shift occurs, from innocent and "still," to changing and powerful. But also that’s so traumatic for her and she’s all alone dealing with it. 

• Not her waiting for her father. Don’t you get it, he ain’t ever coming back!

• Yes, turn the entire male population into pigs! 

Finally, we see the Odysseus prophecy unfold. 

• Odysseus is smart, he thinks he’s being coy, but I ain’t stupid. But I don’t think Circe is either honestly, at this point. 

• Oh my God I was right, they’re gonna have sex and exchange stories/pasts/futures. Obviously this ain’t lasting…

• Penelope? A son? He has a wife and kid?? I did not know that, like at all. What the - Circe we are better than this my lady.

• “He showed me his scars and let me pretend I had none.” I’ve seen this quote so many times on social media and had no idea it was from this book. Regardless, AHHH. 

• Not her helping him out with the journey to Ithaca. Oh foolish love.

Odysseus actually leaves the island and never looks back. 

• There’s no way! SHE’S PREGNANT? Oh god, what? Wait, but he doesn’t know. 

• Well another reason being pregnant is not for the weak. I really hope it’s not a monster inside her because she doesn’t deserve that. Is this karma? 

• This connects to the whole "absent dads" theory of Greek myths…

Somehow, alone as always, Circe goes through with her long and horrible pregnancy. She gives birth alone, sending the servants away, and it’s a boy. 

• Telegonus is annoying and I just know he’s gonna turn out an ungrateful brat.

• Okay, the prophecy of Athena? Let’s be real here Circe and consider the consequences. Better to give him up now when your relationship is ripe. I'm with Athena on this one. Telegonus? He should be dead and if she’s telling you it’ll be better if he died, listen!? But also Gods are not to be listened to half the time, so I can’t really blame her for not listening. 

• Circe doing too much, let your son go! He full of -

• I feel like we pressurize main characters or maybe just women more, do to better than they're already doing. We forget they can make mistakes and do crappy things, that make their future self thankful for it. That they are also growing and learning. We are the main characters in our story and human as well. And yet we expect ourselves to carry the world on our backs as machines who will never grow old and fragile. 

• I mean I get the sleeping potion girl, but it’s not that serious. Honestly, I’m sure modern parents desire such a quick solution at times. 

• Children always want what they can’t have or see. I can’t blame him for wanting to know his father and be one with the sea, but I’ve never seen him treat his mother like a mother. Always a provider of sorts or someone you could release your frustrations onto, but her love was too much to bear. It makes me mad and sad at the same time. Like she didn’t go through all that pain just to keep you safe. Like he didn’t even ask you about your life, Circe. 

Chapters 20-27: 

Now, as usual, Telegonus has grown into a stubborn kid or wants to explore the world. Circe reaches a dilemma of sorts. 

• What is his problem? Listen to your mother and sit back down. 

• I don’t think she should let him onto that ship, but okay. 

• Did I already know the test of Trygon was gonna turn out like that? Yes I did. I feel like this isn’t exactly a good thing because Telegonus is gonna find a way to mess everything up. Fate always goes as planned, Circe. Beware. 

• What I say? Odysseus is dead!!! Can’t say I’m sad, but Athena is gonna be flaming right now. Wait, what about his wife and kids?

• Ohh, they are with Telegonus. Yep, he dumb. 

They’ve all unfortunately reached Aiaia safely. 

• Don’t believe Telemachus, Circe, cause I don’t. I feel like he’s lying and he’s trained to do so. This kind of story with two brothers and one kingdom always ends the same. But his point of view does make sense - like he barely knew his father. But, Penelope is more suspicious to me. It’s always the character that’s overlooked and quiet. 

• Now that we’ve seen the other side of Odysseus, the one that almost lost a wife to a bunch of lustful bastards, it feels awkward for everyone. Heroes aren’t as powerful and glorious as they seem. There’s always another pitiful, cowardly, weird side to a hero… kinda like Beowulf. 

• It's the universal saying: not everyone is what they seem at first glance or to man's naked eye. Everyone is 3-dimsensional. They always have a weakness, a flaw and the more they try to hide it, the more it starts to become visible. 

Their days on the island continue and I see them coming closer together in their activities because all they have is each other. 

• Aww they’re like a tiny family. I kinda love that. … and Telegonus had to ruin it with his questions.

• Wow Medea, can’t blame you for killing Jason and his side women and kids. Did expect it from you though, you psychotic obsessed woman.

• Wait a damn minute. Wait I’m not gonna say anything because I’m praying I’m gonna be wrong about *their* relationship

Circe finds Hermes at their front door, instructing her of Athena’s plans and to drop the spell keeping her out. 

• Yes, Circe stand on your feet. Tell him and Athena off. I like her now, she’s smart and confident. I guess you need to start off on the opposite end to reach this end. At least she has. Some people never do

• Not Telechamus saying he needs the lady’s permission. AHHHHHH. Finally some respect around here. 

• Why is Telemachus refusing to go with Athena? I know he said it’s haunted with his father’s memories, but… is this some sort of trick against Telegnous? 

• I knew Telegnous would say some foolish stuff when opening his mouth, but regardless, please get lost from this island. You’ll come to regret it in time, I'm sure. 

Helios arrives at the call of Circe. 

• Well, I didn't expect Helios to arrive… yes threaten him, go off!!!!

• “When you count your children, leave me out.” That kinda hurt. 

Circe plans to leave the island and starts wondering how she’ll do it. 

• Telechamus is leaving with her?! DANG, my instincts. I was right. They’re gonna have sex, aren’t they? On the boat that rides the sea, perhaps?

Penelope is left on the island to hone her skills as the new witch and caretaker of Aaia, where she desires to stay. Circe and Telemachus head on their journey. 

• Not Penelope turning out to be a good woman. It’s always our judgment that gets in the way of womens’ development. I’m glad she turned out to be a friend and not a foe. And I’m glad that Telemachus and Circe are trying to be humans that grow and die beautifully together. 

• Wow, Scylla turning to stone. Yay, but also wow. How many times Scylla gotta be dull and believe that she can go “back to beautiful?”

• Ah she trusts him, Telemachus. That’s new. At last, she has found someone. 

• Whether or not Circe’s potion worked or didn’t, Circe’s growth and personality is what made her human. Reminds me of Rebekah from the Vampire Diaries. She went searching for a cure that would turn her from a vampire back to the human she always wanted to be, but in the end had to realize that her actions were what would make her human even if physically she wouldn’t ever be. 

• In the beginning she and I both thought, being both a God or a human was a curse.

But I guess we’d both rather not be as unchanging and dead as the Gods will forever be.