The most famous example of a man literally becoming a donkey in a romantic and adventurous context is from Apuleius's ancient Roman novel, The Golden Ass (also known as The Metamorphoses ).
: In this classic fable, a man and his son are criticized by every passer-by for how they use their donkey—whether they ride it, walk beside it, or carry it. The romantic or familial storyline here emphasizes the impossibility of pleasing everyone and the importance of staying true to oneself. Men Sex With Donkey
In modern romantic fiction, men who care for donkeys or other animals are often portrayed as having a "hidden soft side." These characters are frequently: The most famous example of a man literally