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Apuleius' most famous work is "The Golden Ass," which is significant for being the only Latin novel to survive in its entirety. Written in the second century AD, this narrative follows the misadventures of Lucius, who is transformed into a donkey and seeks to regain his human form. The story blends allegory with adventure, humor, and a rich array of characters, making it a vital piece of early Roman literature.

"The Golden Ass" is notable not just for its engaging storytelling but also for its exploration of themes such as transformation, curiosity, and the quest for knowledge through mystical and philosophical means. This work has had a profound influence on later literary forms and has contributed to discussions on the nature of reality and identity in literature.

In contrast, while "Metamorphoses" refers to a work by Ovid that deals with transformations, it is not Apuleius' attribution. "The Aeneid," authored by Virgil, and "The Iliad," attributed to Homer, are epic poems that belong to Greek and Roman epic traditions but are separate from Apuleius' contributions to prose fiction. Thus, "The Golden Ass" stands out as Apuleius' hallmark achievement in literature.