Diving Into Latin With Phaedrus' Fables

Learn and Practice Classical Latin by translating great works of Latin literature… from English *to* Latin

What you'll learn

Practice Classical Latin

Get to know some of Latin Literature

Learn Latin vocabulary

Understand Latin grammar

Requirements

Some level of knowledge of Classical Latin is recommended, but even beginner learners can benefit from this course

Description

This course is built around a simple yet powerful idea: we learn best by doing. While much of Latin instruction focuses on translating from Latin into English, here we take the reverse approach. Starting from concise, carefully chosen English versions of Phaedrus’ fables, we will "dive" into Latin by exploring how to express the meaning of each sentence in Classical Latin — slowly, deliberately, thoughtfully. Then, we compare our Latin version to the original words of Phaedrus himself, trying to understand how a master of Roman style handled the same ideas.Phaedrus, a freedman of the early Roman Empire, gave Latin voice to the fables of Aesop, shaping them with elegance, wit, and moral insight. His work occupies a special place in Latin literature: accessible in language, yet rich in tone and nuance. His fables offer the perfect ground for learners to practice, reflect, and grow—not just in grammar and vocabulary, but in a feel for Latin as a living expression.This is not a structured, graded course: we translate texts from Roman literature, dealing with vocabulary and grammar topics of all levels. However, as everything is explained in detail, even a beginner student can benefit from the approach used in this course.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Lecture 2 Prologue

Section 2: Fables I to V

Lecture 3 I. The Wolf and the Lamb - Part 1

Lecture 4 I. The Wolf and the Lamb - Part 2

Lecture 5 II. The Frogs asking for a King - Part 1

Lecture 6 II. The Frogs asking for a King - Part 2

Lecture 7 III. The Arrogant Jackdaw and the Peacock - Part 1

Lecture 8 III. The Arrogant Jackdaw and the Peacock - Part 2

Lecture 9 IV. The Dog carrying some Meat across a River

Lecture 10 V. The Cow, the She-Goat, the Sheep, and the Lion

Section 3: Fables VI to X

Lecture 11 VI. The Frogs against the Sun

Lecture 12 VII. The Fox and the Tragic Mask

Lecture 13 VIII. The Wolf and the Crane

Lecture 14 IX. The Sparrow, Counselor to the Hare

Lecture 15 X. The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape

Section 4: Fables XI to XV

Lecture 16 XI. Asinus et Leo Venantes

Lecture 17 XII. Cervus ad Fontem

Lecture 18 XIII. Vulpes et Corvus

Lecture 19 XIV. Ex Sutore Medicus

Lecture 20 XV. Asinus ad Senem Pastorem

Anyone interested in Classical Latin language and literature