What's the defining difference between a fairy tale and a fable? In Is a moral lesson a requirement for fairy tales?, the commenting crowd has pressed for clear distinguishment between whether _fables_ or _fairy tales_ are being discussed. How do fables and fairy tales differ? What are their distinguishing features, and how will I know whether the story I am reading may be one or the other?

From the dictionary definition of a fable:

> A short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral
> Oxford Dictionaries: "Fable"

Merriam Webster defines Fairy tale as:

> a story (as for children) involving fantastic forces and beings (as fairies, wizards, and goblins)

and

> a story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending
> Merriam-Webster: "Fairy tale"

The defining factor of a fairy tale seems to be a story involving fantastical beasts and their magical world.

A more opinionated difference: There is no hidden meaning in a fable, and it is meant to convey a moral truth. On the other hand, fairy tales weave a world of magic and leave much room for imagination and fantasy. It is up to the reader to decide if he grasps any message or just enjoys the imaginary world of fairies and elves.
Taken from differencebetween.com: "fairy tales and fables"