The Golden Ass · Chapter
V explained
Aristomenus recounts the terrifying tale of how he and Socrates were attacked by the witches Meroe and Panthia in their chamber.
What happens
Aristomenus recounts the terrifying tale of how he and Socrates were attacked by the witches Meroe and Panthia in their chamber. After a night of horror, Aristomenus witnesses Socrates seemingly restored, only to have him die again when the sponge falls from his wound as he drinks from a river. Aristomenus buries Socrates and flees to Etolia.
Themes in this chapter
Magic and Sorcery
The chapter centers on the witches Meroe and Panthia performing a gruesome magical ritual.
Violence and Cruelty
The witches' brutal attack on Socrates, including cutting his throat and removing his heart, exemplifies extreme violence.
Deception and Appearance
Socrates appears alive and well after the attack, but the wound is hidden by a sponge, leading to a false sense of safety.
Characters to notice
- Aristomenus
Narrator of the tale; he witnesses the witches' attack and later buries Socrates.
- Socrates
Companion of Aristomenus; he is killed by Meroe in the night and later dies again after drinking from a river.
- Meroe
Witch who attacks Socrates in the night, cutting his throat and removing his heart.
- Panthia
Sister witch who assists Meroe in the attack.
- Lucius
Listener to Aristomenus's tale; he expresses belief in the story.
Key passages
“I caught him by the leg and so pulled him up. And after that I had lamented a good space the death of my wretched companion, I buried him in the sands there by the river.”
I grabbed him by the leg and pulled him out. After mourning my poor friend's death for a while, I buried him in the sand by the river.
Aristomenus describes burying Socrates after his final death.
“Then perceived I in myself, that certain affects of the mind by nature doth chance contrary. For as tears oftentimes trickle down the cheeks of him that seeth or heareth some joyful news, so I being in this fearful perplexity, could not forbear laughing, to see how of Aristomenus I was made like unto a snail in his shell.”
I realized that emotions can be contradictory: just as tears can come from joy, I found myself laughing despite my terror at being trapped under my overturned bed like a snail in its shell.
Aristomenus reflects on the paradoxical nature of his fear and laughter.
“But I finely feigning and colouring the matter for the time, did break off his talk, and took him by the hand and said, Why tarry we? Why lose we the pleasure of this fair morning? Let us go”
I cleverly pretended and glossed over the situation, cutting off his questions, took his hand, and said, 'Why are we waiting? Why waste this beautiful morning? Let's go.'
Aristomenus deceives Socrates about the night's events to avoid explaining the stench.