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The Fascinating Life of Aesop | From Slave to Renowned Greek Fabulist

 Don't miss my new video on YouTube, about the great Greek fabulist! As appeared in Project Gutenberg “Aesop's Fables” , Translated by George Fyler Townsend. The video delves into the life and history of Aesop, a renowned Greek fabulist. Born around 620 B.C. as a slave, Aesop gained freedom through his wit and wisdom. He traveled widely, encountering prominent figures like Croesus and philosophers such as Solon and Thales. Aesop's fables were used diplomatically to reconcile conflicts in various Greek cities, but his refusal to bribe the Delphians resulted in his unjust execution. Despite his tragic end, Aesop was posthumously honored with a statue in Athens. These established facts stand in contrast to earlier, fictitious accounts of Aesop's life, discredited by later scholarship. French scholar M. Mezeriac's meticulous research in the 17th century shed light on the true story of Aesop, separating fact from fiction perpetuated by earlier accounts, such as the unre...

The Boy and the Scorpion - Summary and Analysis | Aesop Fables

  Summary The fable "The Boy and the Scorpion" is about a boy who is hunting for locusts and mistakes a scorpion for a locust. The scorpion warns the boy not to touch him, as he will lose all of his locusts if he does.  The fable Analysis The moral lesson of this fable is that it is important to be able to distinguish between different things in life to avoid making mistakes that could harm you or cause you to lose everything you have worked hard to obtain. This fable teaches us not to be too hasty in our actions and to be careful not to mistake one thing for another. It also encourages us to be more aware of our surroundings and to pay attention to the details, so that we can avoid making costly mistakes.

"Two Rich Men", by Ivan Turgenev

 In Ivan Turgenev's short story "Two Rich Men," the author contrasts the philanthropy of the wealthy Rothschild with the selfless generosity of a poor peasant family. While Rothschild is praised for his financial contributions, the story highlights the humble actions of the peasant family who took in an orphan niece despite their own poverty. The family's willingness to sacrifice for the orphan emphasizes a deeper sense of compassion that surpasses the wealth of Rothschild. Listen to this short story:

"The loan" | Oriental Stories | Philindas Menos

 The Oriental stories by the Greek author Philindas Menos, are short humorous stories published in 1931. Philindas Menos says that they are stories that he head at different times from various people, living in the Eastern countries, which he collected and finally published in this small book called "Oriental stories".  To the story: THE LOAN The Grand Vizier Ali Pasha once wanted to come to an agreement with the ambassador of France so that Turkey could obtain a loan from France to establish a bank and build roads. -I am very much afraid, said the Frenchman, that you are making a beeline for Banqueroutte (bankruptcy). And Ali-Pasha replied, smiling mischievously: -But that's why we want the loan, your Excellency, for Banque et route (for bank and roads). And so, with his wit, he obtained the loan. (Translated in English by Naya Nomikou, on August 01, 2023) Copyright ©  2023 -  Νάγια Νομικού If you wish you can listen to the story in Greek on the following link. Turn...

The Bear and The two Travelers - Summary and Analysis | Aesop Fables

  Summary In the fable "The Bear and the Two Travelers" by Aesop, two travelers come across a bear in the woods. One of the travelers quickly climbs a nearby tree to save himself, while the other, unable to escape, lies flat on the ground, pretending to be dead. The bear sniffs and paws at the motionless traveler, thinking he is lifeless, and eventually leaves. Once the bear is gone, the traveler in the tree comes down and asks his companion what the bear had whispered to him. The other traveler jokingly replies that the bear had warned him to avoid traveling with a friend who abandons you in times of danger. The fable Analysis The moral lesson of this fable is that in difficult situations, true friendship and loyalty matter. It highlights the importance of standing by one another and providing support when faced with challenges. The fable teaches us to value and choose our companions wisely, as a true friend is someone who stays by our side during both good and bad times. St...

The four windmills

Four windmills standing tall, On the seaside, above it all. Spinning sails, with rhythmic grace, Harnessing winds, in their peaceful space. Above the waves, their arms outspread, As the sea below them, whispers and fades. Four windmills, guardians of the shore, A symbol of harmony, forevermore. Their silence speaks, a calming sound, As tourists gather, all around. These four windmills, a sight to see, Standing proud, forever free. Copyright ©  2023 -  Naya Nomikou

Who is this man? | Georgios Souris

In this poem Souris discourses the matter of politicians and how they become friendly with anybody when the electoral period is nearing. Who is this man? By Georgios Souris Translated in English by Naya Nomikou in December 22, 2022. Recently, a tall man with a tall hat and a smiling face, greets me whenever he meets with me. I wonder who he is and am troubled. He looks at me and I at him, he waves at me, and I wave at him. But I still don’t know who he is. Perhaps, he is short-sighted like me, and his eyes play tricks on him. I wonder... Were we schoolmates perhaps, or maybe old friends? But I am told that his behavior is the same towards other people too; and so, I conclude that the guy is running for mayor and greets us all so that he’ll win our votes! Copyright © 2021-2023 - Naya Nomikou You can listen to the Greek poem on the link below. Turn on the subs and from the gear icon choose English, for the English subtitles to appear.