Deep within the mesmerizing rolling meadows, dwelt a shepherd boy. His being was untarnished, simple yet virtuous. His main role was mainly to tend to his flock of rams.
Their gentle baas and the rustling of the gales among the single tree on the mountaintop were his main co-dwellers. Day in day, looking out for his responsibilities inculcated in him a sense of quiet fulfillment.
Yet, there were the occasional moments of solitude, when the shepherd boy would pine for companionship. On one such day from sheer tedium, the shepherd boy conceived a mischievous plan.
Narratives of wild beasts hunting on sheep had long been circulating in the town. So, the boy chose to exploit this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One day read more he ran into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf that has taken my sheep!” The terrified villagers rushed up the hills to offer assistance but found no wolf.
The boy laughed at the confusion on their faces. This trick continued for a few days more. But, one noon, a real wolf did charge at the herd. The shepherd boy ran for help, shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one showed up.
Frustrated and alone, the boy struggled against the wolf but could protect only few of his sheep. Heartbroken, he went back to the town only to be met with a lesson on honesty and the repercussions of dishonesty.
The tale of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the value of honesty, the consequences of lying and the perils of false alarms. Moreover, it emphasizes how trust once violated, is tough to regain. It's a story as pertinent today as it was then.