# Book I explained — The Golden Ass

> Chapter companion for The Golden Ass by Apuleius.

## What happens

Lucius, traveling to Thessaly, encounters Aristomenus who tells the tale of Socrates and the witch Meroe. Lucius then arrives in Hypata and lodges with Milo, where he meets the maid Fotis and learns of the sorceress Pamphiles.

## Themes in this chapter

### Magic and Sorcery

The chapter introduces Meroe's witchcraft and Pamphiles' sorcery, central to the plot.

### Deception and Appearance

Socrates is deceived by Meroe's charms, and Lucius is warned about false appearances.

## Character check-ins

### Lucius

The narrator and protagonist, traveling to Thessaly and lodging with Milo.

### Aristomenus

A traveler who tells Lucius the story of Socrates and Meroe.

### Socrates

Aristomenus' friend who fell victim to the witch Meroe.

### Meroe

A powerful witch who enchants and attacks Socrates.

### Fotis

Milo's maid, who attracts Lucius and informs him about Pamphiles.

## Key lines

> I pray thee (quoth I) tell me the whole tale from the beginning.

Lucius asks Aristomenus to recount his story in full.

_Lucius' curiosity drives the narrative._

> Meroe, that old witch, had enchanted him and brought him to her bed.

The witch Meroe used magic to seduce Socrates.

_Highlights the theme of magic and deception._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se/chapters/book-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se/chapters