Sycorax (Shakespeare)

The witch Sycorax (IPA: [ˈsɪkɔræks]), an unseen character in William Shakespeare's play The Tempest (1611), is the mother of Caliban, one of the few native inhabitants of the island on which Prospero, the hero of the play, is stranded.According to the backstory provided by the play, Sycorax, while pregnant with Caliban, was banished from her home in Algiers to the island on which the play takes place. Memories of Sycorax, who dies several years before the main action of the play begins, define several of the relationships in the play. Relying on his filial connection to Sycorax, Caliban claims ownership of the island and Prospero constantly reminds Ariel of Sycorax's cruel treatment in order to maintain the sprite's service.
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