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The Golden Ass · Chapter

Book III explained

Lucius is put on trial for murder, but the bodies are revealed to be bladders, leading to laughter.

What happens

Lucius is put on trial for murder, but the bodies are revealed to be bladders, leading to laughter. He then witnesses Pamphiles transform into an owl and, after attempting the same, is accidentally turned into an ass. The chapter ends with thieves capturing Lucius and taking him to their den.

Themes in this chapter

  • Transformation and Identity

    Lucius's accidental transformation into an ass highlights the theme of physical and identity change.

  • Deception and Appearance

    The trial of the bladders reveals how appearances can deceive, as the supposed murder victims are revealed to be inflated skins.

Characters to notice

  • Lucius

    The protagonist who is put on trial and later transformed into an ass.

  • Fotis

    Milo's maid who assists Lucius in his magical endeavors.

  • Pamphiles

    Milo's wife, a witch who transforms into an owl.

  • Byrrhena

    Lucius's cousin who warns him about Pamphiles.

  • Milo

    Lucius's host in Hypata.

Key passages

  • “But when the cloths were removed, and the bodies appeared, I began to be in a cold sweat, and my knees trembled under me.”

    Lucius is terrified when he sees what he believes are dead bodies in the courtroom.

    Shows Lucius's fear during the trial.

  • “Then I thought within myself, 'Now is the time to try the experiment, and to transform myself into a bird.'”

    Lucius decides to attempt the magical transformation into a bird.

    Lucius's curiosity leads to his transformation.

  • “But alas, instead of feathers, I began to be covered with hair, and my skin became hard as leather.”

    Lucius realizes he is turning into an ass, not a bird.

    The moment of Lucius's accidental transformation.

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