Heinrich Steinhöwel’s 1477 collection of Aesop’s Fables starts out with a Life of Aesop. Below are illustrations from that section of the book with links to the original scans.
A Wolf and A Sow
[Read more…] about A Wolf and A SowA Wolf came to a Sow and offered to baby sit. “Thank you but no thank you,” said the Sow.
An enemy is most dangerous when offering you help.
A Wolf, A Lamb, and A Goat
[Read more…] about A Wolf, A Lamb, and A GoatA Lamb was following a Goat when a Wolf tried to get him alone by chiding him for leaving his mother to follow a Goat. Lamb saw through the ruse and lived.
Trust your parents over you enemy.
The Dog and The Shadow
[Read more…] about The Dog and The ShadowA dog carrying food crossed a bridge and sees its reflection. Wanting the reflection’s food the dog drops his. Ooops.
If you covet all, you may lose all.
The Domestic Snake
A poor Man befriended a Snake who ate crumbs from the table. One day he cut the snake then begged forgiveness. Snake was willing but said to be careful as he might some day forget.
He who harms someone should henceforth be suspicious.
Heinrich Steinhöwel (Of the Poor Man and the Snake)
Perry #573
The Wicked Thief and The Sun
The Sun sought a wife but people implored Jupiter to deny the wedding as sons of the Sun would cause hardship. Jupiter agreed. The story prevented people from seeking a wife for a thief thinking it would change his ways.
Evil often promotes evil.
Heinrich Steinhöwel (Of the Wicked Thief and the Sun)
