Fables are a form of folklore that consist of short stories or narratives featuring anthropomorphic animals, inanimate objects, or mythological creatures, typically conveying a moral or lesson. These tales are often attributed to a single author, such as Aesop, but they can also be passed down orally and adapt over time through various retellings.
A key characteristic of fables is their use of animals or non-human characters to represent human traits and behaviors, allowing the storyteller to address complex themes in a simplified and accessible way. Through these allegorical narratives, fables aim to entertain, educate, and convey moral lessons or principles to listeners or readers.
The central narrative of a fable revolves around a conflict or problem faced by the characters, leading to a resolution that highlights the moral or lesson intended. This moral often takes the form of a concise and memorable statement, known as the "moral of the story," which encapsulates the underlying message conveyed by the fable.
Fables have a long history in different cultures worldwide, with examples found in ancient Egyptian, Indian, and Greek literature, among others. They continue to be popular across various forms of media, including children's literature, folklore collections, and even modern adaptations in cartoons and movies. Due to their simplicity and didactic nature, fables have been cherished as valuable tools for teaching and instilling ethical values in readers of all ages.
