The Mexican fables are literary compositions that in addition to having teachings based on values and ethical foundations that are important for human beings, they have cultural elements belonging to the Mexican country that make them special and particular. There are many fables that are reminiscent of Mexican history and we can find there several recognized writers of this genre.
Although within Mexican fables there are some versions of the best-known classic fables, the writing of Mexican fables is characterized by several factors giving it a twist so that each teaching takes on local meaning while maintaining the structure that characterizes the fable. This is how these fables always preserve a moral or teaching of a moral nature and whose characters are almost always animals or objects with human characteristics.
The best-known Mexican fables
The elements that fables have refer to the culture and form of each country and some Mexican writers have stood out in literary narrative. They are: José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardiwho began to be called “the Mexican thinker,” Jose Rosas Moreno who knew him in various academic and literary circles as “the poet of childhood” and the great Mexican poetess and fabulist. Rosa Carretoamong others.
The rhetoric that seeks to preach life lessons par excellence are fables. Some ancient Mexican fables are very difficult to date, given that their history was limited, however, the Mexican oral tradition and the idiosyncrasy of a people advanced over a millennia-old past in which Mexican fables were not left behind. That is why the great Mexican fabulists that we know are all from the modern era. Likewise, Mexican fables, like all fables, generate great empathy with readers and teach them values to follow.
Mexican fables share many similarities with other types of fables, what characterizes them is the inclusion of some elements that are everyday and some forms of writing that may be more friendly for Mexican boys and girls, however, We can enjoy them in all parts of the world for their genius and inventiveness. We invite you to read more fables and you may discover some that catch your attention.
No matter what country you are in, keep reading and learn about Mexican fables.
The hypocritical tiger and the leopard
Author: José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi
Summary: A tiger often magnified itself and everyone told about its good intentions. He indicated that he was a great pious man who remembered the unfortunate, and this is what a leopard that was passing by heard it. She then asked him what he did about the misfortunes of others and the tiger, with his tail on his legs, answered nothing.
Moral: We must avoid being like those who live on gossip and claim to be compassionate when in reality they contribute little. It is hypocritical to talk a lot, but when it comes down to it, not do or contribute anything.
The turtle and the ant
Author: José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi
Summary: The turtle commented to the ant how very placid she looked eating her seeds, wheat and so on during the winter, and then added that poor thing about her, she barely fed on a lizard from time to time. To this the ant replied that in the summer she was collecting all her banquet, and asked the turtle what she was doing while. The turtle responded by scratching its belly and that was when she realized that, for that very reason, she was now hungry.
Moral: Those who do not work and make efforts for their well-being can experience moments of hardship due to not securing their fortune. He who is warned is better protected.
The nightingale and the crow
Author: Rosa Carreto
Summary: On one occasion, at the request of the king of animals, there was a contest to win the position of best musician and singer. Several animals showed up, including the nightingale and, unexpectedly and at the last minute, the crow signed up. When the time came, the nightingale sang beautiful melodies that amazed people. Then the crow followed, barely making a couple of caws. The vote was taken and the verdict was given determining that the crow was the best singer. Surprised, everyone later understood that the crow was a great friend of the jury.
Moral: Many times great talents are wasted due to corruption and cronyism.
The suit that the charro chose
Summary: At a fair, on the outskirts of a city in Mexico, the entire town was preparing for the big event. The suits were also prepared so that the charro could come and choose the best one. Three suits competed against each other to find out which was the favorite. The first said it would be chosen for its brilliance, the second for its wonderful colors and the third for its quality. When the charro arrived to choose his suit, to everyone’s surprise, he chose a fourth suit. He had remained silent and which, for the charro, was undoubtedly the most beautiful.
Moral: Everyone has their own value and stands out for their particular abilities. Don’t try to give yourself value by trampling on others.