Cambridge Latin Anthology – Sagae Thessalae

About this Course

About the Course

In this course, Dr Regine May (University of Leeds) explores the story of Thelyphron in Apuleius’ Metamorphoses (or The Golden Ass). It will be particularly useful for those reading the ‘Sagae Thessalae’ set text for OCR Latin GCSE (J282). In the first lecture, we provide an introduction to Apuleius, The Golden Ass and the story of Thelyphron that appears in Book 2. In the second and third lectures, we think about witchcraft and necromancy in Greek and Roman myth, as well as its depiction in the story of Thelyphron. In the fourth lecture, we focus on the figure of Zatchlas the Egyptian, and consider the extent to which the performance of necromancy in this part of The Golden Ass resembles ‘real’ necromancy as described in (e.g.) the Great Magical Papyrus of Paris (PGM IV). Finally, in the fifth lecture, we go through four passages in the set text, providing commentary of Apuleius’ language and style.

About the Lecturer

Dr Regine May is Associate Professor in Latin Language and Literature at the University of Leeds, with a special interest in ancient drama and the Latin novel. Her most recent publications include a book on Apuleius' use of Roman comedy, tragedy and mime, Apuleius and Drama: The Ass on Stage (2006), and a commentary on Apuleius Metamorphoses Book 1: With an Introduction, Translation and Notes(2013).