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{{Short description|Short narrative consisting of talking animals}} |
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{{for|the Iron & Wine album|Beast Epic (album)}} |
{{for|the Iron & Wine album|Beast Epic (album)}} |
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[[File:A Hundred Fables of La Fontaine - The Wolf accusing the Fox before the Monkey.png|thumb|"The Wolf accusing the Fox before the Monkey" from La Fontaine's collection [[La Fontaine's Fables|''Fables'']]]] |
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An '''animal tale''' or '''beast fable''' generally consists of a short story or poem in which [[animal]]s talk. They may exhibit other [[anthropomorphic]] qualities as well, such as living in a human-like society. It is a traditional form of [[allegorical]] writing.<ref>[[M. H. Abrams]], ''A Glossary of Literary Terms'' (5th edition 1985), p. 6.</ref> |
An '''animal tale''' or '''beast fable''' generally consists of a short story or poem in which [[animal]]s talk. They may exhibit other [[anthropomorphic]] qualities as well, such as living in a human-like society. It is a traditional form of [[allegorical]] writing.<ref>[[M. H. Abrams]], ''A Glossary of Literary Terms'' (5th edition 1985), p. 6.</ref> |
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Animal tales can be understood in terms of how animal species relate to each other (for example, predators wishing to eat prey), rather than human groups in a specific society. Thus, readers are able to understand characters' motives, even if they do not come from the same [[cultural background]] as the author. Animal tales can be appreciated in times and locations far removed from their origins. |
Animal tales can be understood in universal terms of how animal species relate to each other (for example, predators wishing to eat prey), rather than human groups in a specific society. Thus, readers are able to understand characters' motives, even if they do not come from the same [[cultural background]] as the author. Animal tales can be appreciated in times and locations far removed from their origins. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Important traditions in beast fables are represented by the ''[[Panchatantra]]'' and ''[[Kalila and Dimna]]'' (Sanskrit and Arabic originals), [[Aesop]] (Greek original), ''[[One Thousand and One Nights]]'' (''Arabian Nights'') and separate [[trickster]] traditions (West African and Native American). The medieval French [[Short story cycle|cycle]] of allegories, ''[[Roman de Reynart]]'' is called a '''beast-epic''', with the recurring figure Reynard the Fox.<ref>H. J. Blackham, ''The Fable as Literature'' (1985), p. 40.</ref> |
Important traditions in [[fable|beast fables]] are represented by the ''[[Panchatantra]]'' and ''[[Kalila and Dimna]]'' (Sanskrit and Arabic originals), [[Aesop]] (Greek original), ''[[One Thousand and One Nights]]'' (''Arabian Nights'') and separate [[trickster]] traditions (West African and Native American). The medieval French [[Short story cycle|cycle]] of allegories, ''[[Roman de Reynart]]'' is called a '''beast-epic''', with the recurring figure Reynard the Fox.<ref>H. J. Blackham, ''The Fable as Literature'' (1985), p. 40.</ref> |
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Beast fables are commonly translated between languages and often used for educational purposes. For example, Latin versions of [[Aesop's Fables]] were standard educational material in the European [[Middle Ages]], over a millennium after they were written. Because of their lack of human social context, animal tales can readily spread from culture to culture. The [[Uncle Remus]] stories introduced African-style trickster character [[Br'er Rabbit]] to American culture. Br'er Rabbit is smaller and weaker than most characters he encounters, but defeats them with cleverness, similar to tricksters of African folklore, such as [[Anansi]]. |
Beast fables are commonly translated between languages and often used for educational purposes. For example, Latin versions of [[Aesop's Fables]] were standard educational material in the European [[Middle Ages]], over a millennium after they were written. Because of their lack of human social context, animal tales can readily spread from culture to culture. The [[Uncle Remus]] stories introduced African-style trickster character [[Br'er Rabbit]] to American culture. Br'er Rabbit is smaller and weaker than most characters he encounters, but defeats them with cleverness, similar to tricksters of African folklore, such as [[Anansi]]. |
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==20th |
==20th century== |
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First published in 1902, the [[Peter Rabbit]] books follow various animal characters and are each intended to teach a particular [[moral]] to children.<ref>{{cite news|last1= Lowne|first1= Cathy|title=The Tale of Peter Rabbit|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Tale-of-Peter-Rabbit|access-date=23 July 2022|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|date=23 July 2022}}</ref> |
First published in 1902, the [[Peter Rabbit]] books follow various animal characters and are each intended to teach a particular [[moral]] to children.<ref>{{cite news|last1= Lowne|first1= Cathy|title=The Tale of Peter Rabbit|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Tale-of-Peter-Rabbit|access-date=23 July 2022|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|date=23 July 2022}}</ref> [[The Wind in the Willows]] (1908) is another British children's novel of the era. |
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| ⚫ | In the 1945 English novel ''[[Animal Farm]]'', various political ideologies are personified as animals, such as the [[Stalinism|Stalinist]] Napoleon Pig, and the numerous "sheep" that followed his directions without question. Rather than being a story for children, this book was intended for adults attempting to understand the new political landscape during the post-[[World War II]] [[Red Scare]]. |
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[[Bugs Bunny]] cartoons routinely impart morals. A common story setup presents Bugs minding his own business until another character causes him trouble, at which point Bugs retaliates.<ref>{{cite news|last1= Young|first1= Bryan|title=Why Bugs Bunny Is Spectacular|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/why-bugs-bunny-is-spectacular.htm|access-date=23 July 2022|publisher=HowStuffWorks.com |date=8 June 2018}}</ref> The moral of such cartoons could be summarized as "do not cause problems for others unless they have caused problems for you." Many different cultures would consider this a sound philosophy, which makes Bugs a relatable hero to a variety of audiences beyond the one he was originally intended for. |
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Post-war English examples of the genre include the "Uncle" series (1964–1973) by [[J. P. Martin]], and the novels of [[Richard Adams]], most notably [[Watership Down]] (1972). |
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| ⚫ | In the 1945 English novel ''[[Animal Farm]]'', various political ideologies are personified as animals, such as the [[Stalinism|Stalinist]] Napoleon Pig, and the numerous "sheep" that followed his directions without question. Rather than being a story for children, this book was intended for adults attempting to understand the new political landscape during the post-[[World War II]] [[Red Scare]]. |
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==21st |
==21st century== |
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Many modern books, films, and video games can be considered animal tales. In American cinema, there is also the [[Academy Award]]-winning film |
Many modern books, films, and video games can be considered animal tales. In American cinema, there is also the [[Academy Award]]-winning film ''[[Zootopia]]'', which serves as a fable about [[prejudice]] and [[stereotype]]s where the [[talking animals in fiction|talking animal]] characters experience both social problems with their species serving as an analogy to racial groups.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nugrahani|first1=Novani|title=Zootopia: A modern-day fable that will delight young and old alike|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/02/19/zootopia-a-modern-day-fable-will-delight-young-and-old-alike.html|access-date=6 March 2016|publisher=Jakarta Post|date=19 February 2016}}</ref> |
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The 2017 video game [[Night in the Woods]] has been cited as an allegory for becoming an adult, |
The 2017 video game ''[[Night in the Woods]]'' has been cited as an allegory for becoming an adult,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moore|first1=D.M.|title=Night in the Woods isn't about growing up, but becoming an adult|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/09/revisiting-night-in-the-woods-as-an-allegory-for-the-millennial-condition|access-date=23 July 2022|publisher=The Verge|date=18 February 2018}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=November 2022}} as well as for [[late-stage capitalism]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brewster|first1=Kat|title=Night in the Woods review: 90s-inspired platformer is an anarchic triumph|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/mar/14/night-in-the-woods-review-platformer-90s|access-date=23 July 2022|work=The Guardian|date=14 Mar 2017}}</ref> |
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[[Aggretsuko]], a 2016 [[anime]], features talking animal characters and examines themes such as [[misogyny]] and workplace anxiety.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Dami|title= |
''[[Aggretsuko]]'', a 2016 [[anime]], features talking animal characters and examines themes such as [[misogyny]] and workplace anxiety.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Dami|title=Netflix's Aggretsuko show is a shockingly insightful portrait of feminine rage|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/1/17302544/netflix-aggretsuko-show-sanrio-character|access-date=23 July 2022|publisher=The Verge|date=1 May 2018}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=November 2022}} |
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Cartoons and other media featuring talking animals are central to the [[furry fandom]] subculture.<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'Kun|first1=Tempe|title=Resources for Parents|url=https://furscience.com/resources/|access-date=23 July 2022|publisher=The International Anthropomorphic Research Project|date= 23 July 2022}}</ref> |
Cartoons and other media featuring talking animals are central to the [[furry fandom]] subculture.<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'Kun|first1=Tempe|title=Resources for Parents|url=https://furscience.com/resources/|access-date=23 July 2022|publisher=The International Anthropomorphic Research Project|date= 23 July 2022}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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==Further reading== |
==Further reading== |
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* |
*{{cite book|last=Mann|first=Jill|date=2010|title=From Aesop to Reynard: Beast Literature in Medieval Britain|location=Oxford|publisher=Oxford University Press}} |
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* |
*{{cite book|last=Mann|first=Jill|date=1997|title=Ysengrimus: Text with Translation, Commentary, and Introduction|location=Leiden|publisher=Brill}} |
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* |
*{{cite book|last=Ziolkowski|first=Jan|date=1993|title=Talking Animals: Medieval Latin Beast Poetry, 750–1150|location=Philadelphia|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press}} |
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{{Folklore genres}} |
{{Folklore genres}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Beast Fable}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Beast Fable}} |
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[[Category:Animal tales| ]] |
[[Category:Animal tales|Animal tales]] |
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[[Category:Panchatantra]] |
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Latest revision as of 07:04, 9 September 2024
An animal tale or beast fable generally consists of a short story or poem in which animals talk. They may exhibit other anthropomorphic qualities as well, such as living in a human-like society. It is a traditional form of allegorical writing.[1]
Animal tales can be understood in universal terms of how animal species relate to each other (for example, predators wishing to eat prey), rather than human groups in a specific society. Thus, readers are able to understand characters' motives, even if they do not come from the same cultural background as the author. Animal tales can be appreciated in times and locations far removed from their origins.
History
[edit]Important traditions in beast fables are represented by the Panchatantra and Kalila and Dimna (Sanskrit and Arabic originals), Aesop (Greek original), One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) and separate trickster traditions (West African and Native American). The medieval French cycle of allegories, Roman de Reynart is called a beast-epic, with the recurring figure Reynard the Fox.[2]
Beast fables are commonly translated between languages and often used for educational purposes. For example, Latin versions of Aesop's Fables were standard educational material in the European Middle Ages, over a millennium after they were written. Because of their lack of human social context, animal tales can readily spread from culture to culture. The Uncle Remus stories introduced African-style trickster character Br'er Rabbit to American culture. Br'er Rabbit is smaller and weaker than most characters he encounters, but defeats them with cleverness, similar to tricksters of African folklore, such as Anansi.
20th century
[edit]First published in 1902, the Peter Rabbit books follow various animal characters and are each intended to teach a particular moral to children.[3] The Wind in the Willows (1908) is another British children's novel of the era.
In the 1945 English novel Animal Farm, various political ideologies are personified as animals, such as the Stalinist Napoleon Pig, and the numerous "sheep" that followed his directions without question. Rather than being a story for children, this book was intended for adults attempting to understand the new political landscape during the post-World War II Red Scare.
Post-war English examples of the genre include the "Uncle" series (1964–1973) by J. P. Martin, and the novels of Richard Adams, most notably Watership Down (1972).
21st century
[edit]Many modern books, films, and video games can be considered animal tales. In American cinema, there is also the Academy Award-winning film Zootopia, which serves as a fable about prejudice and stereotypes where the talking animal characters experience both social problems with their species serving as an analogy to racial groups.[4]
The 2017 video game Night in the Woods has been cited as an allegory for becoming an adult,[5][unreliable source?] as well as for late-stage capitalism.[6]
Aggretsuko, a 2016 anime, features talking animal characters and examines themes such as misogyny and workplace anxiety.[7][unreliable source?]
Cartoons and other media featuring talking animals are central to the furry fandom subculture.[8]
Notes
[edit]- ^ M. H. Abrams, A Glossary of Literary Terms (5th edition 1985), p. 6.
- ^ H. J. Blackham, The Fable as Literature (1985), p. 40.
- ^ Lowne, Cathy (23 July 2022). "The Tale of Peter Rabbit". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ Nugrahani, Novani (19 February 2016). "Zootopia: A modern-day fable that will delight young and old alike". Jakarta Post. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
- ^ Moore, D.M. (18 February 2018). "Night in the Woods isn't about growing up, but becoming an adult". The Verge. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ Brewster, Kat (14 Mar 2017). "Night in the Woods review: 90s-inspired platformer is an anarchic triumph". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ Lee, Dami (1 May 2018). "Netflix's Aggretsuko show is a shockingly insightful portrait of feminine rage". The Verge. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ O'Kun, Tempe (23 July 2022). "Resources for Parents". The International Anthropomorphic Research Project. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
Further reading
[edit]- Mann, Jill (2010). From Aesop to Reynard: Beast Literature in Medieval Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Mann, Jill (1997). Ysengrimus: Text with Translation, Commentary, and Introduction. Leiden: Brill.
- Ziolkowski, Jan (1993). Talking Animals: Medieval Latin Beast Poetry, 750–1150. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.