The Western tradition of fable effectively begins with Aesop, a likely legendary figure to whom is attributed a collection of ancient Greek fables. Modern editions contain up to 200 fables, but there is no way of tracing their actual origins; the earliest known collection linked to Aesop dates to the 4th century bce.

Where did fables come from?

Where Did Fables Originate? The word “fable” comes from the Latin “fabula,” or “story.” Most Western fables come from the famous fabulist Aesop, who wrote in ancient Greece. In ancient Greek education, students were taught fables and encouraged to make up and recite their own.

Why do we tell fables?

Classic fables are not only highly entertaining, they also play an important role in highlighting and demonstrating character traits. For centuries, fables served the crucial role of communicating a shared history, reinforcing a culture's values and calling attention to important traditions.