The life of Aesop is a bit of a mystery. There is even some debate if Aesop was an actual person or just a name used by another writer. However, there have been mentions of Aesop in Greek history, which has allowed historians to piece together a biography (if it is true that he exists). Many of the stories about Aesop contain mythical interventions and legends.

Aesop is believed to have been alive from 620 to 560 BC. It was believed that he was a slave, but was given his freedom because of his literacy and storytelling. He is also described with many physical deformities and a speech impediment that was healed by a deity. Aesop was said to have escaped punishment many times throughout his life, often standing up to his accusers and telling a story that showed the irony or the characteristics of those punishing him. His death is just as much of a mystery as his life. It is believed that he stole a gold or silver cup and was violently put to death by being thrown off a cliff.

Although Aesop is mentioned in Greek history, particularly by Greek historian Herodotus and Aristotle, many scholars do not believe that he actually existed. There is simply just not enough proof to confirm that he was alive.

Aesop is credited with more than six hundred fables. Fables are short stories that teach a moral, or lesson, to children. The stories are often funny, and the themes are easy for children to understand. The characters of fables are usually animals who act and talk like people but still have animal traits. The fables tell a story and end with a moral. Some of the more well-known morals credited to Aesop are:

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