The Golden Ass

by Lucius Apuleius

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Characters Discussed

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Lucius

Lucius (LEW-shee-uhs), a traveler who is turned into an ass, in which form he has several adventures before becoming a man again.

Charites

Charites (KAY-rih-teez), a Greek lady abducted from her wedding by the thieves who stole Milo’s gold.

Lepolemus

Lepolemus (leh-POH-leh-muhs), her resourceful husband. He joins the robbers who stole his wife, makes them drunk and chains them, rescues his wife, and causes the robbers to be killed.

Thrasillus

Thrasillus (thrah-SIH-luhs), Lepolemus’ friend, in love with Charites, who blinds him with a pin while he is drunk.

Milo

Milo (MI-loh), a rich usurer robbed by thieves who use Lucius (now an ass) to carry their stolen gold.

Pamphile

Pamphile (PAM-fih-lee), his wife, a witch who turns herself into an eagle.

Fotis

Fotis (FOH-tihs), her buxom and lusty maid, who grants her favors to Lucius and then turns him into an ass.

Aristomenes

Aristomenes (a-rihs-TO-meh-neez), a merchant who tells Lucius of Socrates’ misfortune.

Socrates

Socrates (SOK-ruh-teez), Aristomenes’ good friend. Beaten and robbed, he is cared for by Aristomenes. At midnight, two hags cut his throat and substitute a sponge for his heart, which they steal. The next day, he dies when the sponge drops out of his severed throat.

Byrrhaena

Byrrhaena (bih-REE-nuh), Lucius’ cousin, a rich gentlewoman.

Cupid

Cupid (KYEW-pihd), a young god, the son of Venus, who, envious of Psyche’s beauty, sends Cupid to make her fall in love with a monster. Instead he takes Psyche for his wife.

Psyche

Psyche (SI-kee), beauteous young wife of Cupid. Urged by her jealous sisters, she looks upon her sleeping husband’s face and he, influenced by Venus, deserts her. Pitied by Jupiter, the pregnant girl becomes immortal, united to Cupid forever.

Queen Isis

Queen Isis (I-sihs), who provides for Lucius to eat roses so that he may return to human form.

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