Deep within the mesmerizing rolling meadows, resided a shepherd boy. His life was essentially unadulterated, simple yet virtuous. His main role was essentially to look after his flock of ewes.
Their soft bleating and the rustling of the breezes across the solo tree on the peak were his only companions. Day in day, looking out for his charges inculcated in him a notion of quiet fulfillment.
However, there were the occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would long for fellowship. On one such day because of sheer monotony, the shepherd boy conceived a troublesome plan.
Stories of wild beasts prowling on sheep had been around for a while in the hamlet. So, the boy chose to used this fear and played a trick on the villagers.
One afternoon he dashed into the village screaming “Wolf! There is a wolf attacking my sheep!” The terrified villagers rushed up the hills to help but discovered no wolf.
The boy giggled at the confusion on their faces. This prank laughed for a few more days. However, one noon, a real wolf did attack the herd. The shepherd boy dashed for aid screaming “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but managed to rescue only few of his flock. Devastated, he went check here back to the town only to receive a lesson on honesty and the repercussions of dishonesty.
The story of this shepherd boy has been passed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the value of honesty, the implications of dishonesty and the perils of false alarms. Moreover, it stresses how trust once violated, is tough to regain. It's a story as relevant today as it was in the past.