The Golden Ass · Chapter
XLVII explained
Lucius, still in the form of an ass, awakens at midnight and prays fervently to the goddess Isis for deliverance.
What happens
Lucius, still in the form of an ass, awakens at midnight and prays fervently to the goddess Isis for deliverance. She appears to him in a vision, instructing him to attend her festival and seize a garland of roses from her priest. He obeys, eats the roses, and is restored to human form. The priest welcomes him, and Lucius joins the procession, later being initiated into the mysteries of Isis.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Identity
Lucius's physical transformation from ass to human symbolizes a deeper spiritual rebirth and restoration of his true identity.
Religion and Redemption
Lucius's prayer and devotion to Isis lead to his deliverance, highlighting the power of faith and divine grace.
Fortune and Suffering
Lucius reflects on his long endurance of misfortune and the capriciousness of Fortune, which is ultimately overcome by divine providence.
Characters to notice
- Lucius
The protagonist, transformed into an ass, prays to Isis and is restored to human form.
- Isis
The goddess appears to Lucius in a vision, offering guidance and promising deliverance.
- Ceres
Invoked by Lucius in his prayer as one of the manifestations of the goddess.
- Venus
Mentioned as a possible form of the goddess in Lucius's prayer.
- Proserpina
Invoked as a form of the goddess in Lucius's prayer.
- William Adlington
Translator of the text; the chapter title references 'Apuleius' as the author.
Key passages
“Oh blessed queen of heaven, whether thou be the dame Ceres... or whether thou be the celestial Venus... thou which art horrible Proserpina... I pray thee, to end my great travail and misery, and deliver me from the wretched Fortune, which had so long time pursued me.”
Lucius calls upon the goddess under many names—Ceres, Venus, Proserpina—begging her to end his suffering and free him from his long persecution by Fortune.
This prayer demonstrates Lucius's syncretic understanding of the divine and his desperation for salvation.
“Behold Lucius I am come, thy weeping and prayers hath moved me to succor thee. I am she that is the natural mother of all things, mistress and governess of all the elements... do call me Queen Isis.”
The goddess appears and declares herself the universal mother and ruler of nature, known by many names but called Isis by the Egyptians.
Isis's self-revelation establishes her supreme authority and her personal response to Lucius's plea.
“I command thee not to profane or despise the sacrifice in any wise, for the great priest shall carry this day following in procession by my exhortation, a garland of roses... snatch at the roses, whereby I will put away the skin and shape of an ass.”
Isis instructs Lucius to attend the festival and take the roses from the priest's hand, which will break the spell and restore his human form.
The roses serve as the magical catalyst for Lucius's transformation, linking the ritual to his personal redemption.
“Know thou, that now thou art safe, and under the protection of her, who by her clear light doth lighten the other gods: wherefore rejoice and take a convenable countenance to thy white habit, follow the pomp of this devout and honorable procession.”
The priest tells Lucius he is now under Isis's protection and should joyfully join the procession in his white robe, symbolizing his new life.
The priest's words mark Lucius's acceptance into the community of worshippers and his new identity as a devotee.
