Fables
A fable is a short fictional story that has a moral or teaches a lesson. Fables use humanized animals,
objects, or parts of nature as main characters, and are therefore considered to be a sub-genre of
fantasy.
● The oldest and most well-known collection of fables in Western literature is undoubtedly
Aesop’s Fables
● The Fables of Bidpai, also known as the Panchatantra, is a collection of ancient Indian
animal fables.
Aesop's Fables is a collection of ancient Greek fables attributed to Aesop, a storyteller believed
to have lived in ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE. Aesop's fables typically feature
animals as characters, and each story imparts a moral lesson or principle.Aesop's Fables are
characterized by their simplicity, wit, and universal themes.
Some of the most well-known Aesop's Fables include:
The Tortoise and the Hare: This fable teaches the moral lesson that "slow and steady
wins the race."
The Fox and the Grapes: In this fable, a fox tries to obtain grapes but, unable to reach
them, dismisses them as undesirable. The moral lesson is about sour grapes, symbolizing
rationalization or justifying one's failures.
The Ant and the Grasshopper: This fable contrasts the hardworking ant, who prepares
for winter, with the carefree grasshopper. The moral emphasizes the importance of
diligence and foresight.
The Fables of Bidpai
The Fables of Bidpai, also known as the Panchatantra, is a collection of ancient Indian animal
fables. The word "Panchatantra" is derived from the Sanskrit word "pancha," meaning five, and
"tantra," meaning principles or strategies. These fables are attributed to Bidpai, an ancient Indian
scholar and storyteller, though the exact origins and authorship are difficult to trace.
The Panchatantra consists of a frame story, within which several animal characters engage in a
series of fables. The stories are designed to impart moral lessons and practical wisdom. The
frame story revolves around the teachings of a wise philosopher named Vishnu Sharma to three
young princes who were not inclined to study. To make learning interesting and memorable,
Vishnu Sharma uses animal fables to illustrate various principles of politics, morality, and
interpersonal relationships.
The Panchatantra addresses a wide range of topics, including governance, diplomacy,
friendship, and morality. The animal characters in the stories often represent human traits and
behaviors, making it easier for readers to relate to and understand the lessons being imparted.
The origins of the Panchatantra can be traced back to ancient India, and its history is a blend
of legend and scholarly attribution. The traditional story of the Panchatantra's creation is
associated with a wise Brahmin named Vishnu Sharma.These 84 stories have been compiled in 5
parts.
1. Winning of friends
2. Loss of friends
3. Loss of what we have gained
4. War between good and evil
5. Imprudence(What to avoid in life)
According to the legend, there was a king named Amarashakti, who was worried about the lack
of interest his three sons showed in learning and education. Despite various attempts, the king
was unsuccessful in persuading his sons to study. In response to the king's dilemma, a learned
Brahmin named Vishnu Sharma was summoned.
Vishnu Sharma took on the challenge and, instead of employing conventional teaching methods,
decided to impart wisdom through engaging stories. He composed a collection of fables, totaling
five books, each dealing with a specific aspect of life – politics, morality, diplomacy, friendship,
and the conduct of people. These five books collectively came to be known as the Panchatantra.
The Panchatantra's stories feature animal characters, such as lions, jackals, crows, and other
creatures, each representing various human traits and behaviors. The narratives are not only
entertaining but also carry moral and practical lessons. Through these fables, Vishnu Sharma
successfully captured the attention of the young princes, making learning enjoyable and
effective.
