With grief for their slain companions mixed with joy at their own escape, they pursued their way till they arrived at the Aeaean isle, where Circe dwelt, the daughter of the sun.  Landing here, Ulysses climbed a hill, and gazing round saw no signs of habitation except in one spot at the centre of the island, where he perceived a palace embowered with trees.  He sent forward one-half of his crew, under the command of Eurylochus, to see what prospect of hospitality they might find.  As they approached the palace, they found themselves surrounded by lions, tigers, and wolves, not fierce, but tamed by Circe’s art, for she was a powerful magician.  All these animals had once been men, but had been changed by Circe’s enchantments into the forms of beasts.  The sounds of soft music were heard from within, and a sweet female voice singing.  Eurylochus called aloud and the goddess came forth and invited them in; they all gladly entered except Eurylochus, who suspected danger.  The goddess conducted her guests to a seat, and had them served with wine and other delicacies.  When they had feasted heartily, she touched them one by one with her wand, and they became immediately changed into swine, in “head, body, voice, and bristles,” yet with their intellects as before.  She shut them in her sties and supplied them with acorns and such other things as swine love.

Eurylochus hurried back to the ship and told the tale.  Ulysses thereupon determined to go himself, and try if by any means he might deliver his companions.  As he strode onward alone, he met a youth who addressed him familiarly, appearing to be acquainted with his adventures.  He announced himself as Mercury, and informed Ulysses of the arts of Circe, and of the danger of approaching her.  As Ulysses was not to be dissuaded from his attempt, Mercury provided him with a sprig of the plant Moly, of wonderful power to resist sorceries, and instructed him how to act.  Ulysses proceeded, and reaching the palace was courteously received by Circe, who entertained him as she had done his companions, and after he had eaten and drank, touched him with her wand, saying, “Hence, seek the sty and wallow with thy friends.”  But he, instead of obeying, drew his sword and rushed upon her with fury in his countenance.  She fell on her knees and begged for mercy.  He dictated a solemn oath that she would release his companions and practise no further harm against him or them; and she repeated it, at the same time promising to dismiss them all in safety after hospitably entertaining them.  She was as good as her word.  The men were restored to their shapes, the rest of the crew summoned from the shore, and the whole magnificently entertained day after day, till Ulysses seemed to have forgotten his native land, and to have reconciled himself to an inglorious life of ease and pleasure.