Fables

Fables are brief stories that usually feature animals, plants, objects or forces of nature that are given human qualities. Fables always contain examples of morals.

The most well known fables are Aesop's Fables that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Fast Facts

1. Earliest recorded in 6th Century BC
2. Can be found in most every country
3. Anthropomophism is when an animal or object takes on human characteristics
4. Authors of fables are called fabulists
5. Used to teach children morals

Fables History

Fables date back for centuries and are examples of the earliest form of story telling. Aesop, a Greek slave, started telling fables as early as 550 BC.

During epoch of the Tyrants in Greece, fables were often used for political purposes.

Notable Fables

• The Bear and the Grasshopper
• The Boy Who Cried Wolf
• The Dog and the Bone
• The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs
• The Tortoise and the Hare
• The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
• The Fox and the Crow

The Tortoise and the Hare

"A HARE one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing: "Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race." The Hare, believing her assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed for the race the two started together. The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep. At last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her fatigue."

"Slow but steady wins the race." — Ancient History Sourcebook

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