Fable

Medusa’s Truth. Honorable Mention in What the Myth Gets Wrong Challenge.
Come in, my dear, and fear not. You are safe here. Yes, I know what the stories say, but like so many stories told by powerful people who suddenly have reason to fear, they are wrong...
By Natasja Rose18 days ago in Fiction
The Hare and the Goldfinch
Have you ever woken up with butterflies in your stomach, and it felt like Christmas, your birthday, and the first day of summer all at once? That was how this morning felt when I opened my eyes to a periwinkle sky spotted with cotton candy clouds.
By Natalie Spack18 days ago in Fiction
Let me first do some great thing
The arrow flew straight and true. It had been well aimed, but Arestor, son of Argus, watched with disappointment as it struck the outer circle of the painted target.
By Bryan Warrick18 days ago in Fiction
Pandora’s Burden. Top Story - March 2026.
“My brother warned me to not accept gifts from the one who commissioned you,” said Epimetheus to the woman clad in silvery raiments standing at the entrance to the temple. Her silver tiara and the silver rings on her fingers and toes glinted in the firelight cast by torches set on either side of the doorway. Lingering in the shadows, beyond the reach of the flames as she was, he could not tell what she held in her hands. At first what appeared to be a box was perhaps a funerary urn, or maybe merely an apple.
By J. Otis Haas18 days ago in Fiction
The Lost City of Stars
Elara had always been fascinated by the night sky. Every evening, she would climb to the highest hill near her village and stare at the stars, imagining worlds beyond her reach. Her grandmother often warned her, “The stars are not always what they seem. Some hide secrets, and some can vanish if you look too long.” But Elara never listened; curiosity was stronger than caution.
By Ibrahim 18 days ago in Fiction
A Merchant's Reputation. Winner in What the Myth Gets Wrong Challenge.
My father was a different man in the community. In the market, he clapped men on the back and chortled at jokes he would later excoriate. Every new mother could expect lavish gifts that they could never afford without him.
By Aubrey Rebecca18 days ago in Fiction
Moby Dee. Runner-Up in What the Myth Gets Wrong Challenge.
We all think we know the story of Moby Dick, a tale of human courage, obsession, and revenge against a monstrous white whale, a creature of evil nature. We also remember that in the end nature cannot be tamed or defeated: Moby Dick kills his obsessed hunter and leaves. This has become such a recognizable myth that the name itself -- Moby Dick -- evokes powerful feelings of fear and anxiety about the untamed monster whale in the vast ocean.
By Lana V Lynx18 days ago in Fiction
L' Avis d'Gwendydd
Gwendydd walked among her orchard, a crown of apple blossoms in her hair. The trees stretched their branches to the spring sun and danced in the breeze. She breathed in their heady perfume as she wandered the dark, tilled earth. The promised harvest loomed pleasantly in her thoughts, and the cares of the world were far beyond her concern.
By M. A. Mehan 18 days ago in Fiction
The Gentle Giants And The King's Golden Nuggets
Early one morning, a gentle giant stumbled, into a very picturesque village, cautiously carrying over his shoulders a sack, brimming with the King’s golden nuggets. Royal riches acquired throughout the year occupied the purple and yellow velvet bag containing materialistic might; JS collected, representing the largest creatures inhabiting the land.
By Marc OBrien19 days ago in Fiction
The Fitting. Honorable Mention in What the Myth Gets Wrong Challenge.
It was the one she used for everything, felt there in her apron pocket. Then the herald rapped his knuckles on our door. Mother peeked through the wall sliver and could see the shoe. I could tell by her gauging eyes. Her brow gave way to a stillness in her face like someone who had finished deciding. The prince’s reflection flashed in the teardrop that she dabbed quickly away.
By Nicky Frankly19 days ago in Fiction
Daughter of the Pines
It started with a whispered name two weeks ago. Then more whispers. When I was getting some replacement school supplies for Cary, a book flew out of the shelf in front of me.
By Alicia Anspaugh19 days ago in Fiction
The Boy and the Alien Friend
A Sci-Fi Tale: Samer and the Alien Creature Samer was a diligent student, obedient to his parents, and loved by his friends and neighbors. Yet, he faced a significant challenge: his vision was extremely weak. Even with glasses, he struggled to see clearly, missing many school days and finding it hard to live normally. He always prayed to God for his eyesight to improve, dreaming of becoming a doctor one day—a dream that now seemed almost impossible. Every week, Samer visited his grandfather’s farm, enjoying the greenery, fresh air, and the calm of the countryside. One evening, as he sat under his favorite tree, the sun disappeared behind the horizon. He began walking back to the farmhouse when he noticed a sharp light moving behind one of the trees. Curious, he ran toward it. He discovered a small creature, no bigger than a newborn kitten, with soft, glowing skin. Its eyes emitted a bright light, and it made faint, pained sounds. As Samer picked up the strange being, a voice echoed clearly in his mind: “Stay away from me. Don’t hurt me.” Samer was shocked. The creature had not spoken aloud, and no one else was around. Another voice followed, also in his mind: “I am speaking to you, Earthling.” Bewildered, Samer asked aloud, “Who are you? How can you speak to me like this?” The creature replied through mental communication: “I am in your hands because you carry me. I communicate via telepathy since you cannot understand my language, and I cannot understand yours, Earthling.” Samer paused, unsure what to say. “Who are you, and why call me an Earthling?” “I am Kamo from the planet Cicada. We came to Earth to collect samples for study, but my ship malfunctioned and crashed here. I need time to recover and for my team to rescue me.” Though overwhelmed, Samer answered, “I don’t fully understand, but I mean no harm. I want to help if I can.” Kamo explained, “You can help me by bringing a power source to recharge my communication device so I can contact my team.” Samer thought quickly. “We have batteries, electricity, even coal. Which works for you?” “All of them,” Kamo replied. “Our technology adapts to any power source.” Samer carefully carried Kamo to his grandfather’s house. Using a small wall socket, Kamo plugged in his tiny device resembling a pen, and it began charging. As they communicated, Samer learned about Kamo, Cicada, and the creature’s intelligence. Despite his small size, Kamo was wise and kind. Hours later, Kamo contacted his team. Ready to return to Cicada, he handed Samer a small gift, a palm-sized bag, warning him not to open it until he left. With a tearful goodbye, Samer watched his new friend depart. After Kamo left, Samer opened the gift. Inside, he found Kamo’s communication device and a small bottle of “Lightflower Drops.” He pressed the device’s button, and Kamo’s voice spoke clearly: “Hello, my Earthling friend. This device will keep us connected. And the drops will help your eyes—you’ll see clearly soon.” Samer applied the drops and went to sleep with hope in his heart. The next morning, he awoke to a transformed world. His vision was perfect. Every leaf, every blade of grass, and the vibrant colors of the farm were crystal clear. Filled with gratitude, Samer exclaimed, “Thank God! Now I can return to school and pursue my dream of becoming a doctor!” He often thought of Kamo, cherishing their bond. The alien’s gift had not only restored his sight but also opened his mind to the wonders of the universe. Samer learned that kindness, curiosity, and courage could bridge even the greatest distances between worlds. Through this adventure, Samer realized the importance of compassion and bravery, understanding that sometimes, the universe sends unexpected friends to guide us and change our lives forever.
By Ibrahim 19 days ago in Fiction