What is a Fable?

A fable is a form of folk literature that typically features a short story featuring an animal cast of characters that imparts a moral lesson. Fables are among the most widely read and shared forms of storytelling across cultures, and have been around for thousands of years. They remain a popular way for generations to make sense of the complex world around them and gain valuable life lessons.

History of Fables

Fables have been passed down through the generations for centuries, so definitively tracing the origins is difficult. Some suggest that the earliest literary fables can be traced back to Ancient Greece where they were popular with Aesop, a slave famous for writing stories that contained helpful lessons on living a moral life.

In the medieval era, they were interwoven with folklore, fairytales and other types of stories told orally. As literary fables began making their way into writing during this time, the genre flourished and was popularized by numerous authors such as Jean de La Fontaine in France.

Important Elements of Fables

Fables have four important elements that make them recognizable. First, they typically feature talking animals as characters. This makes it easy for the reader to identify with the characters and stories, as animals often represent various aspects of human behavior.

Secondly, the story is quite short and concise in its nature. This helps to emphasize concise, clear morals and lessons that it wishes to impart. Thirdly, fables have a typical “moral of the story” which is usually easy to understand, short and to the point.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, fables are told to serve some educational or moral purpose. Fables are one of the most important ways to teach children important principles, such as the importance of being kind, honest and hardworking.

Conclusion

Fables remain an important form of storytelling loved by all ages and cultures, even in the 21st century. By following the four key elements, they remain a powerful way to convey important life lessons in a simple and clear way.