The novel’s association between the color gold and power shows how power is what is most valuable to the ancient Greeks. The society in the story is a brutal one; a person must abuse others or be abused. Leveraging power is how a person “buys” themselves protection and dominance. In this way, power is like wealth, so it’s no coincidence that the story’s most powerful characters are associated with the color gold, which is also a color associated with wealth. This symbolism is especially prevalent with Helios, the sun god. He is one of the most powerful Titans, and he is strongly connected with gold, since he gives off a gold light. Circe describes how, “At [her] father’s feet, the whole world was made of gold. The light came from everywhere at once.” Helios wields his power cruelly, and people obey and honor him because they fear him.
Because power is so precious, sacrifices of it are notable. In the story, the color gold sometimes emphasizes how selfless it is for someone to give up their power to help others. Both Prometheus and Trygon bleed gold blood when they give away their power. The gold blood flowing out of their bodies is a physical representation of their loss of power; they are sacrificing the very thing their society most values in order to make the world a better place.
Gold Quotes in Circe
“A girl,” my mother said to him, wrinkling her nose.
But my father did not mind his daughters, who were sweet-tempered and golden as the first press of olives. Men and gods paid dearly for the chance to breed from their blood, and my father’s treasury was said to rival that of the king of the gods himself […]
“She will make a fair match,” he said.
“How fair?” my mother wanted to know. This might be consolation, if I could be traded for something better.
You were ready to fight me to have it. Not if I am willing?
My stomach churned against itself. “Please. Do not make me do this.”
Make you? Child, you have come to me […]
I lifted the blade, touched its tip to the creature’s skin. It tore as flowers tear, ragged and easy. The golden ichor welled up, drifting over my hands. I remember what I thought: surely, I am condemned for this. I can craft all the spells I want, all the magic spears. Yet I will spend the rest of my days watching this creature bleed […]
The darkness around us shimmered with clouds of his gilded blood. Beneath my feet were the bones of a thousand years. I thought I cannot bear this world a moment longer.
Then, child, make another.
Gold Symbol Timeline in Circe
