Skip to content

Collections / Fables and Folklore

Greek Fables

15 stories, retold short enough for one lesson.

15 stories

Mercury and the WoodmanHonestyHonesty is the best policy, while greed and deceit eventually lead to a person's ruin.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Ass and His PurchaserClevernessA man is known by the company he keeps.Grades 4–8Level 4

The Ass in the Lion's SkinClevernessClothes may disguise a fool, but his words will give him away.Grades 4–8Level 1

The Belly and the MembersFriendshipIn any community or organization, every member plays a vital role, and the success of the whole depends on the cooperation of every part.Grades 4–8Level 4

The Farmer and the SnakeKindnessKindness is wasted on the wicked, and a villain's nature will not change even in response to mercy.Grades 4–8Level 4

The Fighting Cocks and the EagleHumilityPride goes before a fall, and boasting of one's success often invites destruction.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Fox and the StorkHonestyDo not play tricks on others if you are not prepared to have the same trick played on you.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Hare and the Tortoise (Extended)HumilityPersistence and steady effort will always triumph over talent that is wasted through arrogance and laziness.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Horse and the StagFairnessIt is better to endure a small grievance from an equal than to lose your liberty by seeking the help of a master.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Jay and the PeacockGreedIt is not only fine feathers that make fine birds; be content with who you are rather than trying to pass as someone you are not.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Lion in LoveFriendshipLove can make the strongest person vulnerable; never surrender your natural defenses or identity for the sake of another's demands.Grades 4–8Level 2

The Miser and His GoldClevernessWealth is worth nothing if it is not put to use.Grades 4–8Level 2

Advertisement

The Trees and the AxeHonestyWhen we betray the rights of others to satisfy an enemy, we ultimately invite our own ruin.Grades 4–8Level 5

The Two PotsFairnessEqual companionship is safest; the weak should avoid the company of the strong to prevent accidental destruction.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Wolf and the LambClevernessThe tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny, and the unjust will not listen to the reasoning of the innocent.Grades 4–8Level 5