Circe — Witch of Aiaia / Mother of Telegonus [2/3]

At this point, Circe is used to living in exile on her island, Aiaia. She’s used to her Pharmakeia and is powerful Pharmakis.

Hermes, son of Zeus,visits her often. Aside from being her lover, he also brings her news of the world. He tells her about Aethiopia. He also tells her about Scylla and how she “resides within a strait” and devours sailors. Six or twelve at a time.

One day, a ship arrives. The ship comes from Crete, where Circe’s sister Pasiphaë is Queen to King Minos. Circe never got along with her sister thus, she’s surprised at her sister’s invitation. The messenger, Daedalus, tells her that she’s needed in Crete but declines to tell her why. He also informs her that, the journey to Crete, requires sailing past the Scylla’s strait, the monster Circe created.

The journey for Crete begins. They sail past the strait, where Circe uses her Pharmakeia to fool the monster Scylla and hence manages to avoid sailors being eaten. Once in Crete, she meets her sister. She’s pregnant. She needs Circe to help her deliver the baby. The baby is due but isn’t coming out. In the room, all servants are dismissed, except for Daedalus.

Daedalus is ordered to cut the belly open (c-section). Once the belly is open, Circe inserts her hands in order to feel the baby and bring it out into the world. She feels around, and lo and…