Ananimal tale orbeast fable generally consists of a short story or poem in whichanimals talk. They may exhibit otheranthropomorphic qualities as well, such as living in a human-like society. It is a traditional form ofallegorical 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 samecultural background as the author. Animal tales can be appreciated in times and locations far removed from their origins.
Important traditions inbeast fables are represented by thePanchatantra andKalila and Dimna (Sanskrit and Arabic originals),Aesop (Greek original),One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) and separatetrickster traditions (West African and Native American). The medieval Frenchcycle of allegories,Roman de Reynart is called abeast-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 ofAesop's Fables were standard educational material in the EuropeanMiddle 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. TheUncle Remus stories introduced African-style trickster characterBr'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 asAnansi.
First published in 1902, thePeter Rabbit books follow various animal characters and are each intended to teach a particularmoral to children.[3]The Wind in the Willows (1908) is another British children's novel of the era.
In the 1945 English novelAnimal Farm, various political ideologies are personified as animals, such as theStalinist 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 IIRed Scare.
Post-war English examples of the genre include the "Uncle" series (1964–1973) byJ. P. Martin, and the novels ofRichard Adams, most notablyWatership Down (1972).
Many modern books, films, and video games can be considered animal tales. In American cinema, there is also theAcademy Award-winning filmZootopia, which serves as a fable aboutprejudice andstereotypes where thetalking animal characters experience both social problems with their species serving as an analogy to racial groups.[4]
The 2017 video gameNight in the Woods has been cited as an allegory for becoming an adult,[5][unreliable source?] as well as forlate-stage capitalism.[6]
Aggretsuko, a 2016anime, features talking animal characters and examines themes such asmisogyny and workplace anxiety.[7][unreliable source?]
Cartoons and other media featuring talking animals are central to thefurry fandom subculture.[8]