# XVI explained — The Golden Ass

> Chapter companion for The Golden Ass by Apuleius.

## What happens

Fotis brings Lucius to secretly watch her mistress Pamphiles perform a sorcerous transformation into an owl. Lucius, enchanted by the spectacle, begs Fotis for the same ointment so he too can become a bird, but Fotis warns him of the dangers. Lucius insists and, after learning the remedy to reverse the transformation, anoints himself.

## Themes in this chapter

### Magic and Sorcery

The chapter centers on Pamphiles' ritual transformation into an owl and Lucius' desire to replicate the feat, highlighting the allure and peril of sorcery.

### Transformation and Identity

Lucius seeks to shed his human form for that of a bird, driven by curiosity and love, foreshadowing his later metamorphosis into an ass.

### Lust and Sensuality

Lucius' passionate plea to Fotis, invoking her 'sweet paps' and the 'knot of [her] amiable hair,' underscores the erotic motivation behind his magical pursuit.

## Character check-ins

### Lucius

Eager to witness and partake in Pamphiles' sorcery, he persuades Fotis to give him the transformative ointment.

### Fotis

Leads Lucius to spy on her mistress and reluctantly agrees to his request for the ointment, revealing the reversal method.

### Pamphiles

Performs the enchantment, transforming herself into an owl by anointing her body with ointment.

## Key lines

> I perceived a plume of feathers did burgeon out, her nose waxed crooked and hard, her nails turned into claws, and so she became an owl.

I saw feathers sprouting, her nose became hooked and hard, her nails turned into claws, and she transformed into an owl.

_Describes Pamphiles' physical transformation into a bird._

> I pray thee while occasion doth serve, that I may have the fruition of the fruits of my desire, and grant me some of this ointment.

I beg you, while the opportunity is here, let me enjoy the fulfillment of my wish and give me some of that ointment.

_Lucius asks Fotis for the magical ointment to transform himself._

## Links

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