Youth Sections
"The Braves Arise " |
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by Arman Koul |
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![]() To be specific, the fable does not originate as a folktale, though it may make use of folk material and can thereupon be composed into a culture and exchanged as traditional oral folklore. There are many fables in the world that have originated from many different countries but the oldest fables are most likely in Asian roots. The oldest fables are dated several centuries back. Confusing, huh? But it isn’t really that hard to understand. Fables are basically stories and these could be about animals or plants that are given human qualities. I am sure that you know the fable “THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE” and if you don’t here it is. A Hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing: "Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race." The Hare, believing her assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed for the race the two started together. The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace, straight to the end of the course. The Hare, overly confident and way too complacent lay down by the wayside and fell fast asleep. At last, waking up and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing at the end of the race, quite fatigued with his effort. Slow but steady wins the race. Notice, that at the end of the fable there is a moral or saying that sums up the whole fable in one sentence. This is the message that the fable is trying to convey. Slow but steady wins the race is not the only moral of fables. In this next fable the moral is, “Never seek revenge for it may be your undoing.” Please enjoy THE HORSE SEEKING REVENGE ON THE STAG One day, a Horse had an argument With a Stag capable of great speed, Chased it all about and failing utterly, Sought help from Man, begged for support. The Man rigged him with bit and rein, leapt on his back, Gave him no repose until The Stag was caught and lost his life; This done, the Horse gave thanks To Man his benefactor saying; I am grateful, Farewell, I'm going back to the wilderness. - Nay, said the Man; our dwelling is more suitable: I clearly see how useful you might be. Stay with me you'll be treated well And to your belly in a bed of straw. Alas, what good is fine food When one has lost freedom? The Horse perceived his foolishness; But it was too late: already his stable Was ready and built so very well. He died there while pulling on his rope! Wiser had he forgiven a petty offense. Whatever pleasure vengeance may bring, It is too costly, when bought at the expense Of what is gone, all the rest is naught. Never seek revenge for it may be your undoing You can tell by the old language that this fable is not that recent. This fable is also not as well known as the first one but still it involves animals and a moral. So it is still a fable. Though both of these are good fables, neither of them is my favorite. I have saved the best for last. My favorite fable may surprise you. I do not know if you have heard it or not but if you read on you will find out. My favorite fable is “THE LION AND THE MOUSE.” A LION was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face. Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the Mouse piteously entreated, saying: "If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness." The Lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by strong ropes to the ground. The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came and gnawed the rope with his teeth and set him free, exclaiming: "You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, not expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor; now you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to benefit a Lion." I know you are thinking “Wait, where is the moral?” Well if you read the last paragraph very carefully you might be able to tell that the moral has been mixed into the last paragraph. I hope that you liked the fables that are on this page and will take the time to read many more in Panchatantra, Vetal Pachisi, Arabian Nights, Hitupadesha and the Jataka Tales. Recent examples of fables are The Lion King and Bambi, which are also movies that you are likely to have seen. India, particularly has a rich collection of fables from times before Christ, which are known all over the world. I have seen a lot of comic books carry Indian fables and there are also books that have a collection of these. Reading these fables is a great way to enjoy oneself while learning lessons for life. |
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![]() *Arman Koul is a 10 years old, 5th grade student from Andover, MA. He enjoys reading, music and sports, not necessarily in that order. |
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Master Armwn when I was in my school six decades back I learnt all these stories.I did not know they were called fables.I thought them to be stories with a moral.Thanks for your education and the way you write these stories.
Added By pushkar ganjoo