Classic Literature produced by Slaves

The first was Aesop, born in Phrygia Major at about 620 B.C. He was a slave of Xanthus, who favoured him. He left Xanthus for the service of Iadmon, who employed him as a confidential advisor.

Plutarch (of "Parallel Lives" fame) writes that Aesop was also at the court of Croesus, king of Lydia, famed for his legendary wealth. Aesop also visited many places, teaching people by his Fables.

Once King Croesus, sent Aesop as his ambassador to distribute a large sum of silver  to the citizens of Delphi. But the Delphians were so greedy that no plan of Aesop for the equitable distribution of silver suited them. Disgusted, Aesop sent the silver back to the King. The enraged Delphians hurled Aesop from a high cliff. Thus he met his end in about 564 B.C.

About 330 fables are ascribed to him.

Unlike Aesop, who was a historical figure, Uncle Remus was a fictional Black slave created by Joel Chandler Harris. He narrates his tales of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox & other anthropomorphic animals to the young son of his master. The stories appeared in late 19th Century onwards, set in the deep south of U.S.A & are unique in following the black oral tradition with its special dialect.

There are 185 stories in all & the uniqueness is in Brer Rabbit, being the most vulnerable animal of his predatory community, managing to survive, using his deviousness, much like the blacks of his time surviving, in spite of the odds being stacked against them.