symbols — something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign.
parables — a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.
fables — a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters; apologue: the fable of the tortoise and the hare; Aesop's fables.
metaphors — a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.”. Compare mixed metaphor, simile (def 1).
stories — a narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader; tale.
tales — a narrative that relates the details of some real or imaginary event, incident, or case; story: a tale about Lincoln's dog.
morals — of, relating to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical: moral attitudes.
