"La metamorfosis, o, El asno de oro" by Apuleius is an ancient Roman novel written in the 2nd century CE. The story follows Lucius, a curious young man whose dangerous fascination with magic leads to disaster when a spell goes wrong, transforming him into an ass instead of a bird. Burdened by his animal form, he endures a long journey filled with adventures, thieves, and captives while desperately seeking the roses that could restore his humanity. His salvation ultimately comes through divine intervention and religious devotion.