At the center of the captivating rolling hills, dwelt a young shepherd. His being was essentially untarnished, and unsophisticated. His primary duty was mainly to look after his herd of ewes.
Their low murmuring and the rustling of the gales across the solo tree on the mountaintop were his constant associates. Day upon day, looking out for his responsibilities instilled in him a sense of quiet fulfillment.
But, there were the occasional moments of solitude, when the shepherd boy would yearn for company. In one such instance from sheer boredom, the shepherd boy orchestrated a mischievous plan.
Narratives of wild beasts prowling on sheep had been heard times and again in the village. So, the boy chose to exploit this fear and played a trick on the inhabitants.
One afternoon he raced into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf attacking my sheep!” The frightened villagers rushed up the hills to help but saw nothing threatening.
The boy chuckled at the confusion on their faces. This trick persisted for a few more days. However, one noon, a real wolf did charge at the flock. The shepherd boy dashed for aid 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 sheep. Heartbroken, he returned to the village only to receive a reprimand on honesty and the consequences of false alarms.
The tale of this shepherd boy has been transmitted generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the value of honesty, the consequences of lying and the risks of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once broken, is The shepherd boy story tough to regain. It's a story as relevant today as it was then.