Aesop’s Fables Medallions
Perfect for everyone—the young, and the young-at-heart! You may have heard of Aesop’s Fables, but you may not know that the stories date back to ancient times! Indeed, Aesop lived in Greece between 620 and 564 BC, and is mentioned by name by the most famous ancient historians, playwrights and philosophers such as Herodotus, Aristophanes, Plato and Socrates. The first century AD philosopher Apollonius of Tyana said about Aesop: “Like those who dine well off the plainest dishes, he made use of humble incidents to teach great truths, and after serving up a story he adds to it the advice to do a thing or not to do it.” (Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana, Book V.14)
Aesop’s fables (the "Aesopica") are clever stories of simple everyday life that carry with them incredible ethical and life lessons and have been a favorite in the education of both adults and children for millennia. The original fables were recounted orally until recorded in the third century BC. Written and preserved in Latin and Greek texts through the next ages, the popularity of Aesop and his gentle wisdom grew until he was known throughout the world. His stories are still the delight of children today.
Our collection features medallions fashioned after ancient Greek and Roman coins, each from a different location and featuring an animal starring in one of Aesop’s fables. The fable to which the medallion is matched is recounted on the product page for each piece. Our medallions, though true to the original coins, are created at a slightly diminutive scale perfect for children ages six and above, and may be worn as pendants or bracelets. They are perfect gifts for special occasions such as new baby celebrations and birthdays; they are also incredibly special as a double purchase for twin pairing as "Mommy and Me," sister, and best friend gifts. Of course, they are perfect for classicists of all ages.
Each of our hand-made medallions is available in a choice of gorgeous brass, 925 sterling silver, 10K yellow gold, 14K yellow gold, or 18K yellow gold. Each medallion arrives with a brown leather cord at no extra cost; a gold or silver chain may also be purchased separately. Every piece in this collection arrives too with an information card with details about the ancient coin after which it is modeled, and, as always, gift wrapping and special jewelry personalization is available!
Every piece in this collection also arrives with a children’s or adult's translated version of the book Aesop’s Fables. We are thrilled and honored to be collaborating with two incredible authors who have translated Aesop's Fables for children and for adults - and whose works we are sending to clients along with the jewelry! Laura Gibbs is the wonderful classicist and author of the Oxford World Classics version, Aesop's Fables, which we send upon request for those who want the adult version of the translated tales. Caroline Lawrence is the incredible classicist and author of the Robert Ingpen Illustrated Classics version, Aesop's Fables, which is our choice for children. We are in admiration of (and remain indebted to) both!
