Here are some classic Aesop’s Fables translated into English:
- The Tortoise and the Hare
Once upon a time there was a race between a tortoise and a hare. The hare was much faster than the tortoise, so he laughed and said, “I will win this race easily.” The tortoise, however, took his time and kept moving steadily. The hare, confident in his speed, decided to take a nap during the race. When he woke up, he saw the tortoise was almost at the finish line. The hare rushed to the finish line, but it was too late. The tortoise won the race because he was patient and steady.
- The Fox and the Grapes
A fox saw some delicious grapes hanging from a vine. He tried to reach them, but they were too high. The fox couldn’t get the grapes, so he said, “These grapes are sour!” He pretended they were not good because he couldn’t have them.
- The Ant and the Grasshopper
An ant worked hard all summer gathering food for the winter. A grasshopper, on the other hand, spent the summer playing and not working. When winter came, the grasshopper was hungry and asked the ant for food. The ant refused, saying, “I worked hard all summer, and you didn’t. Now you have to suffer the consequences.”
- The Lion and the Mouse
A lion was sleeping under a tree when a mouse ran across his paw. The lion woke up and was about to eat the mouse, but the mouse pleaded for his life. The mouse promised to help the lion if he let him go. The lion agreed and the mouse ran away. Later, the lion was caught in a trap and couldn’t get out. The mouse came to help him and set him free. The lion was grateful and never forgot the mouse’s kindness.
- The North Wind and the Sun
The North Wind and the Sun were arguing about which was stronger. They decided to prove it by trying to make a ship’s sail fold down. The North Wind blew as hard as he could, but the sail only became tighter. The Sun then shone warmly, and the sail folded down easily. The Sun won the argument because kindness is more powerful than force.
- The农夫和蛇
A farmer found a snake frozen and in danger of dying. He took the snake home and warmed it up. The snake recovered and bit the farmer. The farmer died, and people said, “The ungrateful snake bit the man who saved its life.”
- The Fox and the Crow
A crow found a piece of cheese and wanted to eat it. She held it in her beak and flew to a branch. A fox saw the cheese and said, “That’s a delicious piece of cheese! Give it to me.” The crow was hesitant but finally gave in. The fox took the cheese and ran away. The crow realized she had been tricked.
These are just a few examples of Aesop’s Fables. There are many more stories that teach valuable lessons about life, ethics, and human nature.
