Aesop was a storyteller. He lived about 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece. His favorite story to tell was a fable. A fable is a very short story with a moral, or a lesson to teach.

Aesop, the Storyteller

Some scholars think Aesop never existed. Others believe he was a slave in ancient Greece. There is no record that Aesop ever wrote anything down. He probably just remembered the stories he told, since he told them over and over and over again.

About 2,000 years later, a monk wrote down these wonderful tales of talking animals and little morals. They have been know as "Aesop's Fables" ever since.

Here is one of our favorite fables told long ago by an ancient storyteller named Aesop.

The Fox and the Goat

Once upon a time, a long time ago, a fox fell down a well. He was stuck there for a quite a while. Finally, a goat wandered by.

"What are you doing?" asked the goat curiously.

"Stay away," snarled the fox. "This is my water."

"That's not fair," snapped the goat. "Why should you get all the water?" Before the fox could say another word, the goat jumped in the well.

Quick as a flash, the fox leaped on the goat's back and out of the well. He ran happily off, leaving the goat stuck in the well.

THE MORAL OF THIS STORY:
Do not always believe what you hear from someone who is in trouble.

Here are more Aesop's fables

Aesop's Fables - lots of them, each very short

The Fox and Sick Lion (Donn)

About Aesap (and his fables, illustrated, Donn)

More Powerpoints for Aesop Fables

See also:

What is a fable?

The Greek Storytellers

More Famous Greeks

QUIZ: Ancient Greece (Interactive with answers)

For Teachers: Lesson Plans for Fables