The Greek fabulist Aesop or Esop (pronounced /ˈeɪsɒp/ ay-sop or /ˈiːsəp/ ee-səp, Greek: Αἴσωπος, Aisōpos) is given the dates c. 620-564 BCE and was by tradition born a slave (δοῦλος). Although known for the fables ascribed to him, Aesop's existence remains uncertain and no writings by him survive. Numerous fables appearing under his name were gathered across the centuries and in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. In many of these tales animals speak and have human characteristics.

Scattered details of Aesop's life can be found in ancient sources, including Aristotle, Herodotus, and Plutarch. An ancient literary work called The Aesop Romance tells an episodic, probably highly fictional version of his life, including the traditional description of Aesop as a strikingly ugly slave who by his cleverness acquires freedom and becomes an adviser to kings and city-states. A later tradition (dating from the Middle Ages) depicts Aesop as a black Ethiopian. Depictions of Aesop in popular culture over the last 2500 years have included several works of art and his appearance as a character in numerous books, films, plays, and television programs.

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Aesop or Æsop (from the Greek Aisopos) (c. 620BC – c. 560BC), was an ancient Greek fabulist of possibly African descent (his Greek name means Ethiopian or black man in today's parlance), by tradition a slave who credited the African goddess Isis for his gift. Aesop's Fables are still taught as moral lessons and used as subjects for various entertainments, especially children's plays and cartoons.