The Golden Asse
Jan 2021 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
180
Pages
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About this ebook
The Metamorphoses of Apuleius, which Augustine of Hippo referred to as The Golden Ass (Asinus aureus), is the only ancient Roman novel in Latin to survive in its entirety. The protagonist of the novel is called Lucius. At the end of the novel, he is revealed to be from Madaurus, the hometown of Apuleius himself. The plot revolves around the protagonist's curiosity (curiositas) and insatiable desire to see and practice magic. While trying to perform a spell to transform into a bird, he is accidentally transformed into an ass. This leads to a long journey, literal and metaphorical, filled with inset tales. He finally finds salvation through the intervention of the goddess Isis, whose cult he joins.
About the author
Apuleius, a multifaceted figure of the 2nd century CE, was a Romanized Berber from Madaurus, a province in North Africa. Born around 124 CE, he was a philosopher, rhetorician, and author, whose life and works offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and intellectual currents of the Roman Empire. Educated in Carthage and Athens, Apuleius was deeply influenced by Platonic philosophy, which permeates much of his writing.His life was not without controversy. Apuleius famously defended himself in a legal case known as the "Apology" or "De Magia," where he was accused of using magic to win the affections and wealth of a wealthy widow, Pudentilla. This defense speech is a masterful blend of rhetoric and wit, showcasing his eloquence and intellectual prowess.Apuleius' literary contributions extend beyond his legal defenses. He wrote on a variety of subjects, including philosophy, natural history, and religion. His works reflect a deep engagement with the mystical and the metaphysical, often exploring themes of transformation and the divine.His influence on contemporary writers and later literary traditions is profound. Apuleius' exploration of the human psyche and the supernatural can be seen as a precursor to the magical realism genre. His blending of the mundane with the mystical has inspired countless authors, from the medieval period through to modern times.Championing revolutionary ideas, Apuleius delved into the nature of the soul, the power of the divine, and the potential for personal transformation. His works challenge readers to look beyond the surface of reality and consider the deeper, often hidden, forces at play in the world. In doing so, Apuleius remains a timeless figure whose writings continue to captivate and inspire.
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