Can a fable have gods that are directly involved with the plot of the story?
Are all fables really short and not descriptive?
Fable:
A short moral story, often with supernatural or animal characters.
http://www.onelook.com/?w=fable&ls=a
Remember in the Old Testament when God made the donkey talk? Was that story short, and did it have a moral lesson? Was there a God or animal involved?
http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/05discoverthenlt/ssresults.asp?txtSearchString=Numbers+22%3A1-35&find.x=0&find.y=0
I hope this answered your question. I personally love fables, it lets me lie a little, and still deliver a great moral lesson.
Great questions! Let's break it down.
1. Can a fable have gods that are directly involved with the plot of the story?
Yes, a fable can indeed have gods or supernatural beings that are directly involved in the plot. While animals are often used as characters in fables, it is not a strict requirement. The involvement of gods or supernatural beings can add a layer of depth and intrigue to the story.
2. Are all fables really short and not descriptive?
Traditionally, fables are indeed short and concise, typically aiming to convey a moral lesson. However, there can be variations in length and level of detail. Some fables may be longer and more descriptive, depending on the storytelling style and the specific purpose of the fable. The key element of a fable is the use of allegorical characters and a moral message, rather than the length or level of detail.
Regarding the example you mentioned from the Old Testament, the story of the talking donkey in Numbers 22:1-35 is not considered a fable in the traditional sense. It is a biblical story that recounts a particular event involving a prophet named Balaam and his encounter with a talking donkey. The purpose of this story is not primarily to convey a moral lesson, but rather to highlight God's intervention and power in human affairs.
So, while there may be similarities between fables and certain stories from religious texts or mythologies, they are distinct genres with different purposes and characteristics.
I hope this helps clarify the concept of fables and their potential variations in length and content!