The primary and most significant betrayal in Madeline Miller's Circe centers on Tethys, who betrays Circe by informing the sun god Helios about Circe's forbidden practice and the warnings she received.
Tethys's Deceptive Act
Tethys, a Titan goddess and Circe's aunt, commits a pivotal act of betrayal early in Circe's life. After Circe uses pharmaka (herbal magic) to transform Glaucos, Tethys reveals to Helios that she had previously warned Circe against the use of such potent substances. This disclosure is not an act of concern for Circe, but rather a calculated move rooted in Tethys's own self-interest and desire to maintain her standing and power within the divine hierarchy.
- The Revelation: Tethys explicitly tells Helios that she had cautioned Circe against experimenting with powerful herbs and potions.
- Underlying Motivation: Her true aim was to protect her own authority and influence. Tethys perceived Circe's burgeoning power with pharmaka as a threat to her established position, fearing that such unconventional abilities could disrupt the traditional order of divine power.
- Consequence for Circe: This betrayal directly contributes to Circe's eventual exile to the island of Aiaia, as it provides Helios with clear evidence of Circe's defiance and dangerous capabilities.
Other Forms of Neglect and Unsympathetic Treatment
While Tethys's action is a direct betrayal, Circe experiences various forms of neglect and lack of support from her divine family throughout her life, which can be seen as contributing to her isolation and struggles. For instance, her brother Aeëtes is consistently unsympathetic towards her plight and her unique nature. His indifference, while not an active betrayal in the same vein as Tethys's deliberate act, underscores the cold and unsupportive environment Circe grew up in, further emphasizing her familial alienation.
Summary of Betrayals
To illustrate the key acts contributing to Circe's isolation and suffering, consider the following:
| Individual | Nature of Betrayal/Neglect | Impact on Circe |
|---|---|---|
| Tethys | Directly informed Helios about Circe's use of pharmaka despite having warned her against it. | Led to Circe's initial judgment and subsequent exile to Aiaia, marking a significant turning point in her life. |
| Aeëtes | Remained consistently unsympathetic and unsupportive, particularly after Circe's exile. | Contributed to Circe's profound sense of isolation and detachment from her divine family, reinforcing her status as an outcast. |
These acts highlight the treacherous and often self-serving nature of the gods, forcing Circe to forge her own path outside the conventional divine structure. For more insights into the novel's themes, consult literary analyses here or delve into Greek mythology resources here.
