Deep within the mesmerizing rolling hills, dwelt a boy named Shepherd. His existence was untarnished, simple yet virtuous. His main role was to look after his herd of rams.
Their gentle baas and the murmuring of the breezes among the lone tree on the hilltop were his only co-dwellers. Day in day, looking out for his charges inculcated in him a feeling of tranquil contentment.
But, there were at times moments of solitude, when the shepherd boy would yearn for companionship. On one such day because of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy conceived a naughty plan.
Tales of predators prowling on sheep had been heard times and again in the town. So, the boy opted to exploit this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One afternoon he ran into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf that has taken my sheep!” The frightened villagers rushed up the hills to help but saw nothing threatening.
The boy laughed at the dilemma on their faces. This trick persisted for a few days more. Yet, one noon, a real wolf click here did charge at the herd. The shepherd boy ran for help, shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but could rescue only few of his flock. Heartbroken, he returned to the village only to be met with a reprimand on honesty and the results of false alarms.
The story of this shepherd boy has been transmitted generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the value of honesty, the implications of dishonesty and the risks of false alarms. Moreover, it stresses how trust once violated, is difficult to earn back. It's a story as pertinent today as it was then.