The Golden Ass" or "The Metamorphoses" is the only Latin novel by Apuleius to survive in its entirety. Adapted from an earlier Greek story, "The Golden Ass" tells of the adventures of Lucius, a young man who is obsessed with magic. In attempting to perform a spell, Lucius inadvertently transforms himself into an ass. His long and arduous journey is ornately illustrated by Apuleius' witty, imaginative, and often explicit language, in a series of subplots that carry the reader through to Lucius' salvation by the goddess Isis. These include the stories of Cupid and Psyche, Aristomenes, Thelyphron and others. The novel reflects Apuleius' own fascination with magic and the occult, and although comical at times, contains very serious messages about impiety towards the gods, and the risks of tampering with the supernatural. Apuleius (c. 125-c. 180) was a student of Platonist philosophy and Latin prose writer.
Written towards the end of the second century AD, The Golden Ass tells the story of the many adventures of a young man whose fascination with witchcraft leads him to be transformed into a donkey. The bewitched Lucius passes from owner to owner - encountering a desperate gang of robbers and being forced to perform lewd 'human' tricks on stage - until the Goddess Isis finally breaks the spell and Lucius is initiated into her cult. Apuleius' enchanting story has inspired generations of writers such as Boccaccio, Shakespeare, Cervantes and Keats with its dazzling combination of allegory, satire, bawdiness and sheer exuberance, and remains the most continuously and accessibly amusing book to have survived from Classical antiquity.
The story follows Lucius, a young man of good birth, as he disports himself in the cities and along the roads of Thessaly. This is a wonderful tale abounding in lusty incident, curious adventure and bawdy wit." -- Google Books viewed January 11, 2021.
Embark on an enchanting and whimsical journey through the ancient Roman world with Lucius Apuleius in 'The Golden Ass.' Penned in the 2nd century, this classic work of literature, also known as 'Metamorphoses,' is a captivating tale of magic, transformation, and adventure. As Apuleius narrates the misadventures of his protagonist, Lucius, who undergoes a series of comical and fantastical transformations, readers are transported to a world where myth and reality intertwine. The narrative weaves a tapestry of lively characters, divine interventions, and the trials of a bumbling hero. More than a mere novel, 'The Golden Ass' is a literary masterpiece that delves into themes of love, morality, and the capricious nature of fate. Join Apuleius on this literary expedition where each page unveils a new layer of ancient Roman storytelling, making 'The Golden Ass' an essential read for those captivated by classical literature and the enduring power of myth.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Reproduction of the original. The publishing house Megali specialises in reproducing historical works in large print to make reading easier for people with impaired vision.
The Golden Asse" is a captivating tale penned by the ancient Roman writer Apuleius, believed to have been written in the 2nd century AD. At its core, the story follows the misadventures of Lucius, a curious and somewhat reckless young man who, through a series of unfortunate events, finds himself transformed into a donkey. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, the narrative unfolds as Lucius, in his newfound form, embarks on a journey filled with trials and tribulations. As a donkey, he witnesses the diverse facets of society, from the luxurious lifestyles of the elite to the harsh realities faced by the common folk. Will Lucius ever regain his human form? Can he survive the dangers that come with being prey, not predator? As he journeys through vibrant marketplaces, encounters sly gods, and even chats with a talking parrot, Lucius uncovers profound truths about love, fate, and the power of laughter in the face of absurdity. The narrative is rich with elements of comedy, satire, and romance, making it a delightful blend of entertainment and philosophical inquiry. Lucius' transformation serves as a metaphor for the human condition, exploring themes of desire, temptation, and the quest for enlightenment. Along his journey, Lucius encounters an array of colorful characters, each contributing to the tapestry of his transformation and eventual redemption. Through its vivid storytelling and timeless themes, "The Golden Asse" continues to captivate readers across generations. It offers a window into the ancient world while addressing universal truths that resonate with contemporary audiences. Apuleius' masterful prose and keen insight into human nature ensure that "The Golden Asse" remains a cherished classic, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the transformative power of storytelling.
Cupid and Psyche Apuleius - Cupid and Psyche is a story from the Latin novel Metamorphoses, also known as The Golden Ass, written in the 2nd century AD by Apuleius. It concerns the overcoming of obstacles to the love between Psyche (Soul or Breath of Life) and Cupid (Desire), and their ultimate union in a sacred marriage.
The Metamorphoses of Apuleius which St. Augustine referred to as The Golden Ass (Asinus aureus) is the only Ancient Roman novel in Latin to survive in its entirety. Simultaneously a blend of romantic adventure, fable, and religious testament, Metamorphoses (The Golden Ass) is one of the truly seminal works of European literature, of intrinsic interest as a novel in its own right, and one of the earliest examples of the picaresque. The story is about Lucius Apuleius, a young man of good birth, who, while disporting himself in the cities and along the roads of Thessaly, encountered many diverting and strange adventures. Not the least of these was that Apuleius suffered the indignity of being turned into an ass after trying to steal a sorceress's magic. How Apuleius supported his misfortune and how he contrived to dedicate himself to the one goddess who could help him resume his human form make up the body of this tale. The Golden Ass is rich in lusty incident, curious adventure, and bawdy wit. "Robert Graves' translation abandons the aureate latinity of Apuleius for a dry, sharp, plain style which is itself a small masterpiece of twentieth-century prose.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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