A debate continues over whether this ancient writer was originally from Africa, or a slave, or both. This writer's story The Ant and the Grasshopper is seen by many as describing the merits of hard work and preparing for the future, while others saw the ant's refusal to help the grasshopper as cruelty. According to an unproven legend, this author read his story, The Frogs Who Desired a King, aloud to the citizens of Athens when they desired to overthrow Peisistratus. For 10 points, name this ancient author of numerous fables, such as The Tortoise and the Hare.
a) Aesop
b) Homer
c) Sophocles
d) Herodotus