Aesop’s Fables

Welcome to Kids Love. Here we’re talking about how kids love Aesop’s Fables.


A group of anthropomorphic animals gather for tea and stories

What are Aesop's Fables?

Aesop’s Fables are short stories, often featuring animals as the main characters, that offer simple yet profound lessons about life, morality, and human nature. 

These timeless tales were originally told by Aesop, a storyteller who lived around 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece. 

Although brief and easy to read, each fable delivers a powerful moral that continues to resonate with readers of all ages, teaching universal values like:

  • Honesty
  • Kindness
  • Courage
  • Wisdom. 

Popular examples of Aesop’s Fables include classics such as:

  • “The Tortoise and the Hare” 
  • “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”
  • “The Lion and the Mouse”

We’ve included a list of all of Aesop’s Fables below, along with a link for you to go and read each timeless tale. In addition, the lesson for each fable is included next to the title of each story.

A List of Aesop's Fables With Their Lesson/Moral

Fable Lesson
Aesop and the Ferryman Help others willingly; kindness has its rewards.
The Ant and the Grasshopper Prepare today for the needs of tomorrow.
The Ape and the Fox True character cannot be hidden behind pretenses.
The Ass and his Masters A change of masters is not always an improvement.
The Ass and the Pig Do not envy others without understanding their circumstances.
The Ass Carrying an Image Respect given is often for appearance rather than true worth.
The Ass in the Lion’s Skin Pretending to be someone else eventually leads to discovery and shame.
The Astrologer who Fell into a Well Pay attention to what’s around you rather than what’s far away.
The Bald Man and the Fly Revenge can harm oneself more than it harms others.
The Bear and the Travelers Never trust a friend who deserts you at the first sign of trouble.
The Beaver Sometimes giving up something valuable can save your life.
The Belly and the Other Members All parts are necessary; harmony comes from working together.
The Bird-catcher and the Blackbird Promises of future rewards are unreliable compared to present certainty.
The Bird in Borrowed Feathers Dishonesty leads to disgrace.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf Liars are not believed even when they speak the truth.
The Bulls and the Lion Unity is strength; division is vulnerability.
The Cat and the Mice It’s easy to propose impossible solutions from safety.
The Crab and the Fox Lead by example, not by mere instruction.
The Cock and the Jewel Value practicality over superficial beauty.
The Cock, the Dog and the Fox Danger can lurk where you least expect it.
The Crow and the Pitcher Necessity is the mother of invention.
The Crow and the Sheep Don’t underestimate hidden threats.
The Crow and the Snake Be cautious of those who hold a grudge.
The Deer without a Heart Cowardice can overshadow one’s true capabilities.
The Dog and Its Reflection Greed can lead to losing everything.
The Dog and the Sheep Beware those who pretend to be your friends.
The Dog and the Wolf Freedom with danger can be better than safety in servitude.
The Dogs and the Lion’s Skin Bravery is easily feigned by the weak once the strong have fallen.
The Dove and the Ant Kindness given is kindness returned.
The Eagle and the Beetle Even the weakest can avenge themselves when wronged.
The Eagle and the Fox Breaking trust can have severe consequences.
The Eagle Wounded by an Arrow We often provide the means for our own destruction.
The Farmer and his Sons Hard work and diligence bring rewards.
The Farmer and the Sea Expectations beyond reality bring disappointment.
The Farmer and the Stork You are judged by the company you keep.
The Farmer and the Viper Kindness to evil leads to harm.
The Fir and the Bramble Pride can lead to downfall.
The Fisherman and his Flute Misplaced priorities can cost you dearly.
The Fisherman and the Little Fish A sure small gain is better than an uncertain larger one.
The Fly and the Ant Prepare wisely for future hardships.
The Fly in the Soup Small annoyances can cause great irritation.
The Fowler and the Snake Harmful alliances turn against you.
The Fox and the Crow Beware flattery.
The Fox and the Grapes It’s easy to despise what you cannot have.
The Fox and the Lion Familiarity diminishes fear.
The Fox and the Mask Appearance is nothing without substance.
The Fox and the Sick Lion Learn from others’ misfortunes.
The Fox and the Stork Treat others as you wish to be treated.
The Fox and the Weasel Honest arbitration resolves disputes fairly.
The Fox and the Woodman Deceit will eventually be revealed.
The Fox, the Flies and the Hedgehog Better to endure minor evils than risk greater ones.
The Frightened Hares Fear makes danger seem greater than it is.
The Frog and the Fox Do not presume to challenge those stronger than you.
The Frog and the Mouse Beware deception; it harms the deceiver.
The Frog and the Ox Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.
The Frogs and the Sun Fear of change can blind us to reality.
The Frogs Who Desired a King Be content with the leadership you have; it could always be worse.
The Grasshopper and the Ants Plan ahead and prepare for difficult times.
The Goat and the Vine Harming something beneficial to you is foolish.
The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs Greed destroys the source of profit.
The Hare in flight Panic can make danger seem greater.
Hercules and the Wagoner Heaven helps those who help themselves.
The Honest Woodcutter Honesty is always rewarded.
Horkos, the god of oaths Breaking promises leads to severe consequences.
The Horse and the Donkey Selfishness harms oneself eventually.
The Horse that Lost its Liberty Security at the cost of freedom is undesirable.
The Impertinent Insect Avoid provoking those stronger than yourself.
The Jar of Blessings True blessings are found in moderation.
The Kite and the Doves Beware gifts from those with hidden motives.
The Lion and the Mouse Even the smallest creatures can help.
The Lion Grown Old Enemies take advantage of weakness.
The Lion in Love Love can blind judgment.
The Lion’s Share Power dictates who receives rewards.
The Lion, the Bear and the Fox While rivals fight, others profit.
The Lion, the Boar and the Vultures Conflicts can empower third parties.
The Man and the Lion Stories change according to the storyteller.
The Man with two Mistresses Trying to please everyone will ultimately please no one.
The Mischievous Dog Doing harm for amusement can lead to serious consequences.
The Miser and his Gold Wealth unused is wealth wasted.
Momus criticizes the creations of the gods It’s easier to criticize than to create.
The Moon and her Mother Be careful what you wish for; not all changes are beneficial.
The Mountain in Labour Great promises often result in disappointment.
The Mouse and the Oyster Not all opportunities lead to reward.
The North Wind and the Sun Gentle persuasion is more effective than force.
The Oak and the Reed Flexibility can be a greater strength than rigidity.
The Old Man and Death People cling to life even when complaining about it.
The Old Man and his Sons Unity brings strength and protection.
The Old Man and the Ass Pleasing everyone is impossible.
The Old Woman and the Doctor Be cautious of promises too good to be true.
The Old Woman and the Wine-jar Excessive indulgence leads to regret.
The Oxen and the Creaking Cart Those who complain most often do the least work.
The Rivers and the Sea Giving much can lead to loss of identity.
The Rose and the Amaranth True beauty is timeless.
The Satyr and the Traveller Beware of inconsistency; it breeds distrust.
The Shipwrecked Man and the Sea Blaming others for misfortune can be misguided.
The Sick Kite True repentance comes from necessity, not choice.
The Snake and the Crab Be cautious with whom you associate.
The Snake and the Farmer Mercy shown to wickedness often leads to harm.
The Snake in the Thorn Bush Gratitude should not be expected from everyone.
The Statue of Hermes Value can shift depending on context.
The Swan and the Goose Beauty is subjective and often misunderstood.
The Tortoise and the Birds Pride often precedes a fall.
The Tortoise and the Hare Slow and steady wins the race.
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse Simplicity and safety can be preferable to luxury and danger.
The Travellers and the Plane Tree Appreciation is rare in those who benefit freely.
The Trees and the Bramble Poor leadership thrives when good people do nothing.
The Trumpeter Taken Captive Those who incite conflict are as responsible as those who fight.
The Two Pots Recognize your vulnerabilities and choose companions wisely.
The Walnut Tree High expectations of generosity from the selfish leads to disappointment.
War and his Bride Conflict inevitably breeds sorrow.
Washing the Ethiopian white Some traits cannot be changed by external efforts.
The Weasel and Aphrodite Nature can’t be changed merely by appearance.
The Wolf and the Crane Don’t expect gratitude from the wicked.
The Wolf and the Lamb The unjust will find excuses to harm the innocent.
The Wolf and the Shepherds Those who harm others should expect retaliation.
The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Deceit often leads to one’s downfall.
The Woodcutter and the Trees Be careful when helping your enemies.
The Young Man and the Swallow One sign alone does not prove the entire truth.
Zeus and the Tortoise Be content with your lot in life or face consequences.
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