At the center of the captivating rolling meadows, lived a boy named Shepherd. His being was essentially unadulterated, simple yet virtuous. His main role was essentially to look after his flock of rams.
Their low murmuring and the rustling of the gales through the solo tree on the mountaintop were his only co-dwellers. Day after day, looking out for his wards imbued in him a feeling of tranquil contentment.
Yet, there were occasional moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would yearn for company. In one such instance out of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy orchestrated a naughty scheme.
Stories of wild beasts preying on sheep more info had long been circulating in the village. So, the boy opted to exploit this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One morning he dashed into the village shouting “Wolf! A wolf is attacking my sheep!” The terrified villagers ran up the hills to offer assistance but saw no beast.
The boy giggled at the confusion on their faces. This trick laughed for a few more days. But, one noon, a real wolf actually come to prey the herd. 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 flock. Devastated, he went back to the village only to receive a lesson on honesty and the results of dishonesty.
The tale of this shepherd boy has been transmitted generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the value of honesty, the implications of dishonesty and the perils of crying wolf. Moreover, it emphasizes how trust once violated, is tough to earn back. It's a story as relevant today as it was anciently.