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The Daily Insight

What was the flower Circe used?

Author

Sophia Hammond

Updated on February 17, 2026

What was the flower Circe used?

Homer, in his epic poem, the Odyssey, described a plant, “moly,” used by Odysseus as an antidote against Circe’s poisonous drugs. Centrally acting anticholinergic agents are thought to have been used by Circe to induce amnesia and a delusional state in Odysseus’ crew.

What is a moly flower?

noun A magic herb with black roots and white flowers that was given to Odysseus by Hermes to ward off the spells of Circe.

What herbs does Circe use?

Known for her powerful witchcraft, Circe embodies the magic of nature. She grew herbs and shrubs with medicinal properties: mandrake to protect herself, peony to ease pain, snowdrop and yarrow, poppy and rue.

What is Molly in Greek mythology?

Moly (Ancient Greek: μῶλυ, [môly]) is a magical herb mentioned in book 10 of Homer’s Odyssey, created by Gaia to make the Gigantes invulnerable. Advertisement.

Who is Circe Odysseus?

Circe, in Greek legend, a sorceress, the daughter of Helios, the sun god, and of the ocean nymph Perse. She was able by means of drugs and incantations to change humans into wolves, lions, and swine. The Greek hero Odysseus visited her island, Aeaea, with his companions, whom she changed into swine.

What drug did Hermes give Odysseus?

Derived from the common plant Datura stramonium, more familiarly known as jimson weed, the drug acts on the central nervous system to induce amnesia and hallucinations. Now, two neurologists believe they can identify the antidote that the god Hermes then gave to Odysseus to protect him against Circe’s potion.

Are Circe and Calypso the same person?

Circe, like Calypso, is an immortal goddess who seeks to prevent Odysseus from returning home. Also like Calypso, Circe is described as “lustrous” and “the nymph with the lovely braids,” and is first seen weaving at her loom.

Is Circe good or bad?

Even though in most tellings Circe is depicted as an evil sorceress, you chose to show her humanity and make her likable, why? And you’re absolutely right, Circe has been portrayed as a two-dimensional villain in most post-Homeric works.

Who is Calypso in Odysseus?

Calypso, in Greek mythology, the daughter of the Titan Atlas (or Oceanus or Nereus), a nymph of the mythical island of Ogygia. In Homer’s Odyssey, Book V (also Books I and VII), she entertained the Greek hero Odysseus for seven years, but she could not overcome his longing for home even by promising him immortality.

Why did Odysseus sleep with Circe?

Odysseus refuses unless she meets his conditions: Circe must turn his men whom she earlier transformed into pigs back into humans, and she must promise never to use her magic to harm him. Once they strike a bargain, Odysseus sleeps with Circe.