Deep within the captivating rolling hills, dwelt a shepherd boy. His existence was untarnished, simple yet virtuous. His only responsibility was to look after his herd of ewes.
Their low murmuring and the whispering of the gales through the solo tree on the peak were his only companions. Day in day, watching over his responsibilities instilled in him a sense of calm satisfaction.
Yet, there were the occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would yearn for company. On one such day out of sheer tedium, the shepherd boy conceived a troublesome scheme.
Tales of wild beasts hunting on sheep had long been circulating in the town. So, the boy decided to exploit this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One afternoon he raced into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf that has taken my sheep!” The frightened villagers ran up the hills to help but saw nothing threatening.
The boy giggled at the dilemma on their faces. This trick laughed for a few more days. But, one noon, a real wolf The shepherd boy story actually charge at the flock. The shepherd boy dashed 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 town only to receive a reprimand on honesty and the results of false alarms.
The story of this shepherd boy has been passed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the risks of false alarms. Moreover, it stresses how trust once lost, is tough to reclaim. It's a story as relevant today as it was in the past.