THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE HARMONY OF MYTH AND FABLE

Abstract

This study examines the historical development of the harmony between myth and fable as two interconnected narrative forms that have shaped human cultural consciousness from antiquity to the present. The analysis highlights how myth, rooted in collective belief and cosmological interpretation, gradually intersects with fable, a didactic genre employing anthropomorphic characters to convey moral lessons. Throughout various historical periods—ancient civilizations, medieval scholastic culture, Renaissance humanism, and modern literary adaptations—the relationship between myth and fable evolved from symbolic overlap to purposeful artistic synthesis. This harmony reflects broader intellectual transformations, demonstrating how societies have used both genres to explain the world, transmit values, and shape ethical behavior. The study concludes that the fusion of mythic archetypes and fable-based moralism continues to influence contemporary literature, folklore studies, and cultural education.