At the center of the mesmerizing check here rolling hills, lived a young shepherd. His existence was untarnished, simple yet virtuous. His only responsibility was to tend to his herd of ewes.
Their soft bleating and the rustling of the wind across the single tree on the peak were his constant associates. Day in day, looking out for his wards inculcated in him a feeling of tranquil contentment.
But, there were at times moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would yearn for companionship. During one such occasion from sheer boredom, the shepherd boy devised a troublesome plot.
Stories of predators preying on sheep had been heard times and again in the village. So, the boy decided to exploit this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One afternoon he dashed into the village shouting “Wolf! A wolf is preying on my sheep!” The frightened villagers ran up the hills to help but discovered no wolf.
The boy chuckled at the puzzle on their faces. This trick laughed for a few more days. But, one morning, a real wolf actually come to prey the herd. The shepherd boy dashed for aid shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.
Frustrated and alone, the boy fought against the wolf but could protect only few of his flock. Devastated, he returned to the village only to receive a lesson on honesty and the repercussions of crying wolf.
The story of this shepherd boy has been transmitted generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the dangers of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once lost, is tough to earn back. It's a story as pertinent today as it was anciently.