In the heart of the mesmerizing rolling fields, lived a shepherd boy. His life was essentially untarnished, simple yet virtuous. His only responsibility was mainly to tend to his herd of rams.
Their low murmuring and the rustling of the wind through the lone tree on the mountaintop were his constant associates. Day more info after day, guarding his charges instilled in him a feeling of calm satisfaction.
Yet, there were at times moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would yearn for company. In one such instance because of sheer monotony, the shepherd boy devised a mischievous scheme.
Stories of predators hunting on sheep had been heard times and again in the village. So, the boy chose to exploit this fear and played a prank on the villagers.
One morning he dashed into the village screaming “Wolf! There is a wolf attacking my sheep!” The frightened villagers ran up the hills for rescue but saw nothing threatening.
The boy chuckled at the puzzle on their faces. This game continued for a couple of more days. However, one morning, a real wolf actually charge at the flock. The shepherd boy ran for help, shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one showed up.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but managed to protect only few of his sheep. Heartbroken, he went back to the town only to be met with a reprimand 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 significance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the risks of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once broken, is tough to earn back. It's a story as relevant today as it was anciently.