Deep within the captivating rolling hills, lived a boy named Shepherd. His being was essentially pure, simple yet virtuous. His primary duty was to care for his herd of sheep.
Their soft bleating and the rustling of the breezes among the lone tree on the hilltop were his only co-dwellers. Day in day, guarding his responsibilities inculcated in him a sense of calm satisfaction.
However, there were the occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would long for companionship. In one such instance out of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy orchestrated a troublesome plan.
Tales of wolves hunting on sheep had long been circulating in the town. So, the boy opted to leveraged this fear and played a trick on the inhabitants.
One afternoon he raced into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf that has taken my sheep!” The frightened villagers ran up the hills for rescue but discovered no wolf.
The boy more info laughed at the confusion on their faces. This game continued for a few more days. But, one noon, a real wolf did come to prey the herd. The shepherd boy raced for help, screaming “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but could protect only few of his sheep. Heartbroken, he went back to the village only to be met with a scolding 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 significance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the dangers of crying wolf. Moreover, it emphasizes how trust once broken, is tough to earn back. It's a story as relevant today as it was in the past.