A parable is a story told to illustrate or teach a moral lesson. Parables were often used in ancient Jewish teachings and commentary, called midrash.
A Telspong captain at The Captain's Table characterized the tale about Abraham Silver told by David Gold as a parable. An Olexan also listening to the story was angered to learn Gold's tale was possibly fictional. (SCE - Tales from the Captain's Table short story: "An Easy Fast")