Which author is most commonly associated with fables?

The most commonly associated author with fables is Aesop. Aesop is renowned for his collection of fables, which are short stories that typically feature animals as its characters and convey moral lessons or ethical insights. These fables have been passed down through generations and have influenced countless cultures, making Aesop a foundational figure in literature focused on moral storytelling.

The stories attributed to Aesop, such as "The Tortoise and the Hare" and "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," emphasize important life lessons that are easy to grasp and often include simple yet profound morals. This unique aspect of Aesop's fables distinguishes them from the works of other authors like Homer, Virgil, or Shakespeare, who are known for epic poetry and complex dramas, respectively.