Deep within the enchanting rolling hills, dwelt a shepherd boy. His life was untarnished, simple, and honest. His primary duty was to look after his flock of rams.
Their gentle baas and the whispering of the wind across the lone tree on the hilltop were his only companions. Day upon day, looking out for his responsibilities instilled in him a notion of calm satisfaction.
However, there were occasional moments of solitude, when the shepherd boy would pine for company. During one such occasion out of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy orchestrated a mischievous scheme.
Tales of predators preying on sheep had long been circulating in the town. So, the boy decided to exploit this fear and played a trick on the inhabitants.
One day he raced into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf that has taken my sheep!” The frightened villagers rushed up the hills to offer assistance but saw no wolf.
The boy giggled at the dilemma on their faces. This prank persisted for a few days more. Yet, one day, a real wolf actually come to prey the flock. The shepherd boy dashed for aid shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one showed up.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but could rescue only few of his flock. Devastated, he returned to the village only to receive a lesson on honesty and the consequences of crying wolf.
The tale of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable to teaching the importance of honesty, the implications read more of dishonesty and the dangers of crying wolf. Moreover, it emphasizes how trust once broken, is difficult to regain. It's a story as appropriate today as it was anciently.