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Aesop’ s Myths Cyprus Team
Some info about Aesop When were the first of Aesop's great fables written?It is not known exactly when the first of Aesop's fables were written as the fables were originally handed down from one generation to the next just like a myth or a legend. It is, however, believed that Aesop lived from about 620 to 560 B.C. When were Aesop's famous fables first translated into English?Aesop's fables were first printed in English by William Caxton in 1484, from his own translation made from the French. Aesop's fables?Many of Aesop's fables in this compilation have in fact since been found on Egyptian papyri known to date between 800 and 1000 years before Aesop's time. This clearly cast doubts on the authorship of many of the fables attributed to Aesop. Many of the fables were possibly merely compiled by Aesop from existing fables, much in the same way that the Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes were but a new compilation of existing rhymes!
Morals • The Fox and the Grapes • It is easy to despise what you cannot get • The Lion and the Mouse • Little friends may prove great friends • The Young Thief and His Mother • Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart therefrom • The Hare and the Tortoise • Plodding wins the race. • The Ant and the Grasshopper • It is best to prepare for the days of necessity • The Fisher and the Little Fish • A little thing in hand is worth more than a great thing in prospect
Characteristics of Aesop’s Myths • Short Stories/tales for children • Morals/messages • Humorous/Entertaining • Animals: act and talk just like people • Culture: Legends or myths
…other Aesop’s Myths • The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing • "Appearances often are deceiving.“ • The Fox and the Lion • "Familiarity breeds contempt.” • The Hare and the Tortoise • "Slow and steady wins the race”. • The Ass and the Grasshopper • "One person's meat is another's poison.” • Bee-Keeper and the Bees • "Things are not always what they seem.” • Fox and the Crow • "Never trust a flatterer.” • The Wolf in Sheep's Cloth • "Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing.