Aesop

Aesop was a storyteller who lived in ancient Greece. He was believed to have lived around 620 to 564 BC. He told fables, which are short stories with a moral lesson. Many of his fables feature animals that act like people.

Early Life

Not much is known for sure about Aesop's life. Some stories say he was enslaved. He may have gained his freedom because of his storytelling talent. He traveled and told his stories to people across Greece.

An old book drawing showing Aesop with pictures from his fables.
An old book drawing showing Aesop with pictures from his fables. (Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Aesop is credited with hundreds of fables. Famous ones include The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and The Fox and the Grapes. His fables teach lessons that are still relevant today. People have been retelling his stories for over 2,500 years.

Fun Facts

  • The phrase 'sour grapes' comes from Aesop's fable The Fox and the Grapes.
  • Some scholars think Aesop may not have been a real person, but a name given to many storytellers.
  • His fables have been translated into almost every language in the world.

Did You Know?

Aesop's fables are some of the oldest stories still being told. The lesson 'slow and steady wins the race' comes from his fable The Tortoise and the Hare. Children around the world still learn these same lessons today.