Circe

In Greek mythology, Circe was a goddess and sorceress who lived on the island of Eea. She had the power to transform her enemies and those who offended her into animals, through the use of magic potions. According to the Odyssey, when Odysseus arrived on that island he stayed in the ships with half the crew and made the rest disembark, whom Circe through her powers transformed into pigs after inviting them to a banquet. Only Eurylochus managed to escape, who from the beginning suspected a betrayal, and gave notice to Odysseus, who left alone to rescue his men. Circe failed in her attempt to turn Odysseus into an animal because he was protected by a plant that Hermes had given him and she was forced to return her human form to her men. Finally, Circe, in love with Odysseus, helped him on his journey home after he and her crew spent a year with her on her island.

Referenced in La casa delle stelle (2019)