Deep within the enchanting rolling fields, resided a young shepherd. His life was mostly pure, simple, and honest. His only responsibility was essentially to look after his herd of sheep.
Their low murmuring and the rustling of the breezes across the single tree on the mountaintop were his constant co-dwellers. Day in day, looking out for his charges imbued in him a notion of calm satisfaction.
But, there were the occasional moments of solitude, when the shepherd boy would pine for fellowship. During one such occasion out of sheer monotony, the shepherd boy conceived a mischievous plan.
Narratives of wolves prowling on sheep had long been circulating in the hamlet. So, the boy opted to exploit this fear and played a trick more info on the inhabitants.
One day he raced into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf attacking my sheep!” The frightened villagers ran up the hills to help but saw nothing threatening.
The boy chuckled at the dilemma on their faces. This game laughed for a couple of more days. However, one noon, a real wolf actually come to prey the herd. The shepherd boy dashed for help, screaming “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one showed up.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but managed to protect only few of his flock. Heartbroken, he went back to the village only to receive a reprimand on honesty and the results of crying wolf.
The story of this shepherd boy has been passed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the perils of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once violated, is tough to reclaim. It's a story as relevant today as it was in the past.