Fables are stories of fiction with animals, mythological beings, plants, humanized forces of nature, and non-living objects as characters. They are commonly tales that were created from the beginning of time that represents the culture of a place where it originated or conveys morals that are for the readers to learn from. These stories survived the course of time by being told in both oral and written ways. In the modern era, however, fable books are not only anthologies of short stories but also novel-length tales that are being patronizes by readers of all ages.
In literature, fable is considered as one of the many literary genres. It is considered as the longer-lasting type of folk literature because they are not only suitable for children but also for adult readers. The lessons embedded in each story instill in the minds of the readers and somehow they live by those morals. These stories, regardless of the length, can be considered as the primary teachers that shape up the mentalities and beliefs of people as they grow up and face life.
Asia
The Jungle Book
The Jungle Book is an anthology of stories by the Rudyard Kipling, an English author who spent most of his childhood in India. The characters of the story are made up of one human which they referred to as a “man-cub” named Mowgli, a tiger named Shere Khan, a bear named Baloo, a wolf named Akela, a black panther named Bagheera, and more. The titles of each story that are included in the collection includes the Mowgli’s Brothers, Kaa’s Hunting, Tiger! Tiger!, The White Seal, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, Toomai of the Elephants, and Her Majesty’s Servants. These tales are set in three locations: a jungle in India, in a place called Seonee, and in a central land of Madhya Predesh. Abandonment, nurturing, loyalty to family, and courage.
Africa
The Kites and the Crows
The Kites and the Crows is one of the fables that included in the Zanzibar Tales, which is a collection of fables from Africa. This fable is already contained in a book called Zanzibar Tales: Told by Natives of the East Coast of Africa by George W. Bateman. Bateman collected each of these tales that were told to him by the natives and translated them into English. The Kites and the Crows centers on the story of, based on the title, a flock of crows and a group of kites that fought against each other to show who is more superior and must be obeyed. The crows were beaten and the kites conquered their land. However, the clever leader of the birds had a plan and wisely regain their land by burning the kites in their church.
Europe
Animal Farm
Animal Farm is a novel written by Eric Arthur Blair, also known as George Orwell, based on his personal experiences of Spanish Civil War. This book is both allegorical and satirical in the sense that there is a deeper meaning behind the text, such as corruption, manipulation, and social hierarchy. It is also considered as a modern fable for it uses a bunch of animals main characters, such as pigs, mares, puppies, sheep, cart-horse, donkey, and more, as well as humans too. The themes of the story are what made the book a hit, because they are all about politics and societal issues — such as abuse of power, leadership, imposing of rules, lack of wisdom, violence, and more.
Australia or Oceania
The Crane and the Crow
The Crane and the Crow is one of the many Australian folktales that were collected by Catherine Eliza Somerville Stow, also known in her pen name as K. Langloh Parker. These stories were narrated to K. Langloh Parker by the indigenous people of Australia, which she brought together in a book called Australian Legendary Tales. The fable focuses on a crane who was a good fisherman and a hungry white crow. The impatience of the crow led him into making his beautiful white appearance into black, which he blamed the crane for it because he did not immediately give him the fish. Lack of patience, greed, and vengeance are being tackled in this brief but substantial tale.
North America
The Bald Eagle Who Wanted to Fly the American Flag
The Bald Eagle Who Wanted to Fly the American Flag is written by Attilio Guardo. It was first published in 2010 by Eloquent Books and was published again in 2020 by ReadersMagnet LLC. This book is considered a part of children’s literature for it is intended for young readers. This is a light read and promotes happiness and nationalism. The story revolves around Elgae, a little bald eagle, who is persistent to fly the flag of the United States all over the capital of the state. His determination sparked when he heard about his roots. Thus, he began dreaming about Wasington, DC and paying the place a visit. To make his dream come true, he needs to travel from California to his dream place. Elgae is on the brink of having a long but wonderful adventure.
South America
Armadillo’s Song
The Armadillo’s Song is a bittersweet tale which originated from Bolivia, the 28th biggest country in the world and is found in the center of South America. The story is being moved by the protagonist, which is the armadillo. This armadillo loves music so much; thus, he listens to the sounds of the other animals around him, such as frogs, canaries, and crickets. He yearned to be able to sing like the mentioned animals. However, he was mocked because the others knew that armadillos will never learn how to sing. He went to a wizard to ask for help. The wizard told him that he would die if he would sing, but the armadillo was persistent and is willing to die in return for his genuine desire. The wizard finally decided to grant him his wish by killing him and creating a beautiful instrument out of his shell. The greatest musician played the instrument. Somehow, the armadillo’s dream did come true.