In the heart of the enchanting rolling meadows, lived a young shepherd. His being was essentially pure, and unsophisticated. His primary duty was to care for his herd of rams.
Their gentle baas and the murmuring of the breezes among the lone tree on the peak were his constant companions. Day after day, watching over his wards inculcated in him a notion of quiet fulfillment.
But, there were occasional moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would long for companionship. During one such occasion because of sheer monotony, the shepherd boy devised a troublesome plan.
Narratives of wolves prowling on sheep had been around for a while in the town. So, the boy opted to exploit this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One morning he raced into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf preying on my sheep!” The terrified villagers rushed up the hills to offer assistance but found no wolf.
The boy chuckled at the dilemma on their faces. This trick persisted for a couple of more days. However, one day, a real wolf did attack the flock. The shepherd boy ran for help, shouting “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. Devastated, he went back to the town only to be met with a lesson on honesty and the results of dishonesty.
The story of this shepherd boy has been passed down generations as a mediaeval parable to teaching the significance of honesty, the consequences of lying and click here the risks of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once lost, is tough to reclaim. It's a story as appropriate today as it was anciently.