They are fictional stories picturing truth, or, as sometimes expressed, ‘imaginary gardens with real toads’. Their power to attract and communicate is evident. Parables are concrete and personal. They enliven speech, create interest, give focus, make understanding possible and produce insight. They provide a window on life, by implication an important window or they would not be told. They are participatory, for they draw us into something particular and concrete, usually into a narrative world,