The Golden Ass, written by Apuleius in the second century AD, is the only surviving Latin novel in its entirety. The story follows Lucius, a young man fascinated by magic, who accidentally transforms himself into a donkey while attempting to use a witch's ointment. As an ass, he endures numerous hardships, witnessing banditry, cruelty, and absurdity across the Roman world. Embedded within the narrative is the famous tale of Cupid and Psyche. Ultimately, Lucius is restored to human form through the intervention of the goddess Isis and devotes himself to her service. The novel masterfully blends comedy, adventure, and religious mysticism.
