Deep within the enchanting rolling hills, dwelt a boy named Shepherd. His existence was essentially unadulterated, simple yet virtuous. His main role was to care for his flock of ewes.
Their soft bleating and the whispering of the gales among the lone tree on the hilltop were his constant associates. Day upon day, guarding his responsibilities inculcated in him a feeling of tranquil contentment.
But, there were the occasional moments of solitude, when the shepherd boy would pine for company. In one such instance out of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy conceived a naughty scheme.
Stories of predators preying on sheep had been around for a while in the town. So, the boy chose to leveraged this fear and played a prank on the townsfolk.
One day he dashed into the village yelling “Wolf! There is a wolf preying on my sheep!” The scared villagers ran up the hills for rescue but discovered no wolf.
The boy laughed at the dilemma on their faces. This prank continued for a few days more. Yet, one day, a real wolf actually attack the grazing sheep. The shepherd boy dashed for help, screaming “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one responded.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but managed to protect only few of his flock. Heartbroken, he went back to the town only to be met with a reprimand on honesty and the results of dishonesty.
The story The shepherd boy story of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the significance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the dangers of crying wolf. Moreover, it stresses how trust once lost, is hard to reclaim. It's a story as relevant today as it was in the past.