Deep within the mesmerizing rolling hills, dwelt a boy named Shepherd. His existence was essentially pure, simple yet virtuous. His primary duty was mainly to look after his herd of ewes.
Their gentle baas and the murmuring of the breezes across the single tree on the mountaintop were his constant associates. Day in day, guarding his charges imbued in him a feeling of calm satisfaction.
Yet, there were at times moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would pine for companionship. On one such day from sheer tedium, the shepherd boy orchestrated a troublesome scheme.
Tales of predators hunting on sheep had been heard times and again in the hamlet. So, the boy decided to exploit this fear and played a trick on the townsfolk.
One morning he dashed into the village shouting “Wolf! A wolf is attacking my sheep!” The terrified villagers rushed up the hills to help but discovered nothing threatening.
The boy laughed at the puzzle on their faces. This trick continued for a few more days. But, one noon, a real wolf actually come to prey the grazing sheep. The shepherd boy raced 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. Devastated, he went back to the town only to click here be met with a scolding on honesty and the repercussions of dishonesty.
The story of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the significance of honesty, the implications of dishonesty and the risks of false alarms. Moreover, it highlights how trust once violated, is tough to regain. It's a story as relevant today as it was in the past.