he turtle and the birds: fusión and confusión of two fables of diverse origin

Abstract

Fables are a genre of long tradition that, due to their popular elements, have been adapted to different cultures and aims. In this paper we point out the double origin, classic and oriental, of the type ATU225, The turtle and the birds, and how was the Spanish reception in the 16th and 17th centuries. We also present La Fontaine’s version as a point of confluence for the two traditions and the creation of a new reference model for the subsequent dissemination of this story.