Summary

At the start of Chapter Thirteen, a ship arrives at Aiaia carrying "A man, broad and muscular," as well as "a woman, tall and wrapped in black, a long veil flowing down behind her" (162). The two come to Circe for aid, because they have done "great evil" and are, as a result, "tainted" (162). Though curious as to the origin of this ill-will, Circe recognizes that the ritual these two persons ask for — Catharsis, or cleansing — forbids her from demanding their transgressions; all she can do is say yes or no. So she says yes, and begins to purify the people of their crimes through the blood of a young pig, and through incantations.

Once the deed is done, the woman lifts her veil, and Circe realizes she is Aeëtes' child, Medea. After providing her niece food, Medea recounts the...