In the heart of the captivating rolling fields, resided a boy named Shepherd. His existence was pure, simple yet virtuous. His main role was to look after his herd of rams.
Their soft website bleating and the rustling of the wind across the lone tree on the peak were his constant co-dwellers. Day after day, looking out for his charges inculcated in him a notion of calm satisfaction.
But, there were occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would long for companionship. In one such instance out of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy devised a troublesome scheme.
Stories of wild beasts preying on sheep had long been circulating in the town. So, the boy decided to used this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One afternoon he raced into the village screaming “Wolf! A wolf is that has taken my sheep!” The terrified villagers rushed up the hills to offer assistance but saw nothing threatening.
The boy chuckled at the dilemma on their faces. This prank persisted for a few more days. However, one morning, a real wolf actually attack the flock. The shepherd boy raced for aid screaming “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but could protect only few of his flock. Heartbroken, he returned to the village only to receive a reprimand on honesty and the consequences of dishonesty.
The story of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable to teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the dangers of crying wolf. Moreover, it emphasizes how trust once broken, is hard to earn back. It's a story as relevant today as it was then.