Deep within the enchanting rolling fields, resided a young shepherd. His being was unadulterated, and unsophisticated. His main role was to look after his herd of sheep.
Their soft bleating and the whispering of the wind across the solo tree on the hilltop were his main associates. Day in day, looking out for his charges instilled in him a notion of quiet fulfillment.
But, there were at times moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would yearn for fellowship. In one such instance because of sheer tedium, the shepherd boy conceived a troublesome plot.
Narratives of predators hunting on sheep had been heard times and again in the village. So, the boy chose to exploit this fear and played a prank on the townsfolk.
One morning he dashed into the village screaming “Wolf! There is get more info a wolf preying on my sheep!” The frightened villagers ran up the hills to offer assistance but discovered nothing threatening.
The boy giggled at the dilemma on their faces. This trick laughed for a couple of more days. Yet, one morning, a real wolf actually come to prey the herd. The shepherd boy ran for help, screaming “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one showed up.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but could 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 tale 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 false alarms. Moreover, it highlights how trust once broken, is difficult to reclaim. It's a story as pertinent today as it was anciently.