Shop - AESOP’S FABLES : Collins Classics

Living in Ancient Greece in the 5th Century BC, Aesop was said to be a slave and story-teller. His much-loved, enduring fables are revered the world over and remain popular as moral tales for children. With infamous vignettes, such as the race between the hare and the tortoise, the vain jackdaw, and the wolf in sheep’s clothing, the themes of the fables remain as fresh today as when they were first told and give an insight into the Ancient Greek world.
 
Aesop’s Fables are known for their simplicity and universal themes. They have been passed down through generations and have had a profound influence on literature and storytelling throughout history. Some of the most famous fables attributed to Aesop include:

● “The Tortoise and the Hare”: This fable teaches the lesson that slow and steady progress can often win the race over fast but careless efforts.

● “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”: This story warns against repeatedly lying or exaggerating the truth because when you tell the truth, people may not believe you.

● “The Ant and the Grasshopper”: This fable underscores the importance of hard work and preparation, as the diligent ant saves food for the winter while the grasshopper plays and suffers later.

● “The Fox and the Grapes”: This story highlights the human tendency to devalue something we desire but cannot attain. In this case, the fox pretends he doesn’t want the grapes because he can’t reach them.

● “The Lion and the Mouse”: This fable illustrates the idea that even the smallest creature can be of help to someone more powerful, as a tiny mouse rescues a lion from a trap.

● “The Crow and the Pitcher”: A thirsty crow finds a pitcher with water at the bottom, but the water level is too low for the crow to reach. The crow drops pebbles into the pitcher, raising the water level and allowing it to drink.

● “The Dog and the Bone”: A dog carrying a bone sees its reflection in the water and thinks it sees another dog with a bigger bone. The dog drops its bone to grab the other one, losing its original bone in the process.
 
These fables, along with many others, have endured for centuries because of the timeless wisdom they contain. They continue to be popular and are often used as teaching tools for children and adults alike to impart moral and ethical values. While Aesop’s Fables have been attributed to him, it’s worth noting that the true authorship of many of these tales remains uncertain, as they were passed down orally before being recorded in written form.
 
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About the Author :
 
Aesop (620–564 BC) was an ancient Greek story teller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as ‘Aesop’s Fables’, though no actual writings by him survive. Many of Aesop’s fables are characterised by anthropomorphic animals that speak and solve problems and end with important morals for the education of children and society at large.