Classical Stuff You Should Know: Episode 279 - Aesop's Fables

Released on May 13, 2025

In Episode 279 of Classical Stuff You Should Know, hosts Graham Donaldson, A.J. Hanneberg, and Thomas Fletcher Magbee delve into the rich tapestry of Aesop's Fables, exploring their origins, purposes, and enduring relevance both in ancient rhetoric and modern education.

1. Introduction to Aesop

The episode opens with the hosts contemplating the nature of Aesop and his fables. Graham Donaldson poses intriguing questions about the potential of small woodland creatures to convey complex moral lessons:

"[00:10] Graham Donaldson: [...] Have you ever wondered if small woodland creatures could teach you about morality?"

2. Aesop's Life and Demise

The discussion transitions to the historical figure of Aesop, primarily drawing from Herodotus and Plutarch. They highlight the scarcity of detailed accounts:

"[05:19] Thomas Fletcher Magby: So the oracle basically said, I'll pay anyone to kill you."

According to Herodotus, Aesop was a slave who met his end in Delphi under mysterious and violent circumstances. Plutarch expands on this narrative, suggesting that Aesop was executed by being thrown off a cliff after failing to distribute promised donations:

"[08:33] A.J. Hanneberg: [...] His appearance was such that no one could look upon him without laughing."

3. Physical Appearance of Aesop

A memorable segment focuses on Aesop's physical depiction, often portrayed as unattractive, which the hosts humorously relate to their own podcasting personas:

"[08:50] A.J. Hanneberg: He was flat nosed, hunchbacked, thick lipped, with a long belly, a head enormous and misshapen and short bandy legs."

4. Purpose and Use of Fables

The hosts explore whether Aesop's fables were intended for children or served a more sophisticated purpose. Drawing from Aristotle's "Rhetoric," they argue that fables were sophisticated rhetorical tools used in public speaking:

"[12:12] Thomas Fletcher Magby: Yeah."

"[09:02] A.J. Hanneberg: [...] fables are a tool of rhetoric, and this is one that's being used to save someone's life. Right. So very much an adult context, right?"

5. Aristotle’s Perspective on Fables

Aristotle is cited to emphasize that fables were employed to illustrate points in oratory, making complex arguments more relatable through storytelling:

"[09:22] Graham Donaldson: [...] fables are made up to reach the conclusion."

The hosts discuss how Aristotle viewed fables as advantageous in public speaking because they allow speakers to craft analogies that resonate with their audience.

6. Are Fables for Children?

A significant portion debates the common perception of fables as children's literature. While traditionally associated with moral lessons for the young, the hosts argue that their origins and applications are far more nuanced:

"[16:37] A.J. Hanneberg: [...] you're going to listen to the story and get the conclusion, which is like an indirect assault on you."

7. Analyzing Famous Fables and Their Morals

The hosts dissect several well-known Aesop's fables, exploring their narratives and underlying morals:

• The Tortoise and the Hare: Highlighting perseverance over arrogance.

  "[19:28] Graham Donaldson: [...] prepare today because there won't be time to prepare tomorrow."

• The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse: Contrasting the simplicity and safety of country life with the dangers and excesses of urban living.

  "[31:36] Thomas Fletcher Magby: The loves of one man don't necessarily translate to other men."

• The Wolf and the Lamb: Illustrating how the unjust exploit the innocent, regardless of reason or evidence.

  "[35:23] A.J. Hanneberg: The tyrant can always find an excuse for his tyranny."

The hosts emphasize that effective fables maintain a strong correspondence between their narratives and the moral lessons they intend to convey.

8. The Creation and Evolution of Fables

Discussing the origins, the hosts liken Aesop to Homer, suggesting that Aesop likely did not pen all the fables attributed to him but rather curated and preserved an oral tradition:

"[15:28] Thomas Fletcher Magby: [...] Homer was working with an inherited wealth of oral tradition."

They note that over time, these stories were compiled, refined, and sometimes expanded upon by various authors and storytellers.

9. Fables vs. Parables

A comparative analysis distinguishes fables from parables. While both serve as analogies to convey deeper truths, fables typically feature animals and conclude with explicit morals, making them more straightforward and accessible:

"[37:04] A.J. Hanneberg: A fable is a short, often fictional story, typically features animals or inanimate objects as characters, and conveys a moral lesson explicitly stated at the end."

10. Modern Relevance and Personal Insights

The hosts share personal anecdotes and creative endeavors related to fables. Thomas Fletcher Magby recounts crafting his own fable during pro gymnasmata practice, underscoring the timeless nature of storytelling:

"[36:14] Graham Donaldson: [...] you're more likely to remember the whole story with the fleas and the warthog than they are to remember [moral]"

They also discuss contemporary adaptations and the enduring appeal of fables in conveying universal truths.

11. Conclusion

Concluding the episode, the hosts affirm the significance of Aesop's fables beyond their facade as children's stories. They serve as powerful tools for teaching morals, enhancing rhetoric, and reflecting on human nature.

Notable Quotes:

• "The tyrant can always find an excuse for his tyranny. The unjust will not listen to the reasoning of the innocent."
  — A.J. Hanneberg [35:23]

• "Fables are a tool of rhetoric, and this is one that's being used to save someone's life."
  — A.J. Hanneberg [09:02]

• "If men had all they wished, they would often be ruined."
  — Graham Donaldson [29:12]

Final Thoughts:

Episode 279 offers a comprehensive exploration of Aesop's Fables, blending historical insights with practical analysis. By dissecting each fable's structure and purpose, the hosts illuminate why these ancient stories continue to resonate today, serving educators, rhetoricians, and casual listeners alike.

For those eager to dive deeper into classical literature and its applications, this episode provides both intellectual stimulation and engaging conversation, embodying the podcast's mission to make the classical world accessible and enjoyable.