Final answer:
Fables are reflective of the values and social norms of the society that created them. They convey morals, criticize or reinforce cultural beliefs, and serve as tools to maintain societal order. They provide insight into the laws, morals, customs, and religious beliefs of a culture. Therefore the correct answer is its values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fables can tell us a great deal about the society that created them. They are not just stories about animals and mythical creatures but also reflect the values, morals, and social norms of a culture. When examining fables and myths, we often find that these stories carry with them lessons and guidelines for behavior that are esteemed within the society. Fables can explain a group's place in the world, their relationship with it, and provide a shared set of morals and behavior codes that maintain order and reduce chaos within a society.
Additionally, fables may serve as a form of social commentary, using the simplicity of storytelling to explore complex social and ethical issues. Through their narrative, fables can subtly critique or reinforce existing power structures and cultural beliefs. Since ancient times, as in the cases of the Vedas of India or the Jewish Talmud, storytelling has been an indispensable way to impart societal rules, such as laws and religious beliefs, in an engaging and memorable manner. Sociologists like Durkheim indicated that these cultural rules, which are preserved in stories, serve crucial functions in maintaining the stability and coherence of a society.