In ancient Greek fables, animals illustrate a point or teach a lesson. They are often told with a moral that clearly expresses the lesson in one sentence. Although he is mentioned in Greek literature, very little is known about the famous Greek storyteller known as Aesop. He is, however, given credit for writing many fables such as the two well-known stories below.
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 some 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 [grant] benefits on a Lion."
The Hare and the Tortoise
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 [words] to be simply impossible, assented [agreed] to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed [decided] 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, lying down by the wayside, 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 after her fatigue [hard work].
Slow but steady wins the race.