Aesopic Fables on Politics

In the ancient Greek Aesopic fables political matters were an important part of their contents and message. Voicing popular ideas, the fables were most often critical towards the authorities and the usual methods of government. The fables show political mechanisms, condemn violence and lies in public life. However, they were used also as an instrument of the ruling class propaganda, but even the fables that praise rulers unmask them indirectly. Although they remain highly realistic in their description of life, they promote values important for public life in the times of war and peace, such as finding good allies, honesty and freedom.