Scenes in Art Based on the Odyssey

By N.S. Gill, About.com Guide

While Odysseus is at the Phaeacian court, where he has been since Book VII of the Odyssey, he tells the story of his adventures. These include his stay with that great sorceress Circe, who turns Odysseus' men into swine.

Homer The Odyssey - Book 7: Odysseus meets the king and queen of the Phaeacians | Odyssey Summary Book VII | Notes | Major Characters | Quiz on The Odyssey - Book VII

In Book X, Odysseus tells the Phaeacians about what happened when he and his men land on Circe's island. In the painting Circe is offering Odysseus an enchanted cup that would transform him into a beast, had Odysseus not received magical help (and advice to be violent) from Hermes.

Homer The Odyssey - Book 10: Odysseus tells of his visit to Aeolus | Odyssey Summary Book X | Notes | Major Characters | Quiz on The Odyssey - Book X

• Circe
• Medea Comes to Circe
• Circe's Oath
• Circe's Palace

John William Waterhouse was an English Neoclassicist painter who was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites.