in classical mythology, a woman who did magic and who changed people into pigs, including the friends of Odysseus. In Greek legend, a sorceress, the daughter of the sun god Helios and the ocean nymph Perse. By means of drugs and incantations she turned humans into lions, wolves, or swine. Odysseus visited her on his return from the Trojan War, and she changed his companions into swine. Odysseus himself was protected by an herb given him by Hermes, and he compelled the sorceress to restore his companions. He and Circe became lovers, but after a yearlong stay he resumed his journey homeward
{i} also Kirke, enchantress who kept Odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine (Greek mythology)
(Greek mythology) a sorceress who detained Odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine