# XIV explained — The Golden Ass

> Chapter companion for The Golden Ass by Apuleius.

## What happens

Lucius is put on trial for murder, but when he uncovers the bodies, they are revealed to be three blown bladders, causing great laughter. The judges explain it is a festival in honor of the god Risus, and they offer him honors. Lucius declines a statue, returns to Milo's house, and goes to bed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

The 'murdered bodies' are revealed to be bladders, highlighting the theme of deceptive appearances and the theatrical nature of the trial.

### Folly and Wisdom

Lucius's humiliation and the public laughter illustrate folly, while his eventual composure and refusal of statues show a measure of wisdom.

## Character check-ins

### Lucius

Accused of murder, forced to uncover the bodies, and later comforted by Milo and the magistrates.

### Milo

Lucius's host, who leads him away from the theatre and tries to comfort him.

### Byrrhena

Lucius's cousin, who invites him to supper but he declines.

## Key lines

> the bodies of the three slain men were no bodies, but three blown bladders mangled in diverse places

The supposed corpses were actually three inflated bladders, cut in various places.

_The central revelation of the chapter, turning tragedy into comedy._

> For this day, which we celebrate once a year in honour of the god Risus, is always renowned with some solemn novel

This day is an annual festival dedicated to the god Laughter, always marked by some new and solemn joke.

_Explanation of the ritual mock trial._

## Links

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