What we learnt from Aesop Fables

·

By Victoria Loutas

Aesop fables, or Aesopica, is a collection of fables credited to Aesop, an ancient Greek slave and storyteller. The classic tales have since been developed to become one of the best-known children’s story books that most Greek Australians grew up with. 

The fables were first written in mid 6th century BCE and are worldly known for being a collection of morality tales. The 725 fables were originally told from person to person for both entertainment and educational purposes. Aesop’s large collection of fables were first printed in English by William Caxton in 1484 and since grew to become an international phenomenon. 

The tales typically follow an animal as the main character faced with a challenge and guided to learn right from wrong. The fables are the perfect way to introduce children to concepts of conscience, kindness and empathy. Whilst they are suitable children’s books, they were originally created as allegorical myths, used to make social and political criticisms on humanity.

Some of the most famous Aesop fables have subconsciously taught us fundamental life lessons. We’ve listed our top three Aesop fables and what we’ve learnt from them;

  1. The Tortoise and The Hare

The race is not always to the swift! The Tortoise and the Hare follows a race between the two animals, as one is overconfident and belittling, while the other takes his time and eventually wins the race, teaching us patience and humility.

Moral of the story: Slow and steady wins the race! 

  1. The Boy Who Cried Wolf

The Boy Who Cried Wolf is one of the most popular and well known Aesop fables. This short story follows a young boy who lies about being hurt, and when he is actually hurt, no one believes him. This story teaches us to be truthful and honest to family and friends.

Moral of the story: A liar will never be believed, even when he is telling the truth. 

  1. The Goose That Laid The Golden Egg

In this famous Aesop fable, a countryman would sell the golden eggs his goose would lay. As he acquired wealth, he grew greedy and impatient and cut his goose in half. But he didn’t find a single golden egg inside and now lost his precious goose.

Moral of the story: Those who have plenty want more and so they lose all they have.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Iran-backed attack plan targeting Israelis in Cyprus thwarted

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Saturday that a planned Iranian-backed attack on Israeli citizens in Cyprus was thwarted.

Global fallout as US strikes Iran nuclear sites

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after the United States launched a major strike on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.

ISIS suicide bomber kills 22 at Greek Orthodox church in Damascus

A suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus on Sunday left 22 dead and dozens injured.

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

You May Also Like

Pole vaulter Emmanouil Karalis wins Olympic bronze medal for Greece

Emmanouil (Manolo) Karalis clinched the bronze medal in pole vault at the Paris Olympic Games on Monday, August 7.

Greece to step up pressure for Parthenon Marbles amid signs of changing views in UK

Greece has vowed to intensify its campaign for reunification of the Parthenon Marbles amid “optimistic” signs British opinion has shifted.

Zoran Zaev says tweet omitting the word ‘North’ from North Macedonia was a ‘mistake’

The Prime Minister of North Macedonia has indicated that it was a “mistake” to recently refer to his country’s football team as “Macedonia.”