fable
A short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral lesson. / A story or legend that is not true; a myth or a fabrication.
Noun
pl: fables
This term carries two distinct connotations depending on the context. When referring to a literary genre, it is a neutral or positive term describing a didactic tool used for moral instruction, often characterized by anthropomorphic animals. In this sense, it is a structured form of storytelling intended to impart wisdom.
When used to describe a story as a fabrication, the word takes on a skeptical or dismissive tone. It suggests that a claim is entirely invented or a myth, often implying a deliberate attempt to deceive or a widespread but false belief. This usage is more critical than "legend," which may contain a kernel of historical truth.