At the center of the mesmerizing rolling meadows, resided a shepherd boy. His being was essentially unadulterated, and unsophisticated. His main role was mainly to care for his flock of rams.
Their gentle baas and the rustling of the wind among the lone tree on the hilltop were his constant associates. Day after day, guarding his charges imbued in him a sense of tranquil contentment.
Yet, there were occasional moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would long for companionship. On one such day out of sheer monotony, the shepherd boy orchestrated a naughty plan.
Stories of wild beasts hunting on sheep had been around for a while in the village. So, the boy chose to exploit this fear and played a trick on the inhabitants.
One day he ran into the village yelling “Wolf! A wolf is preying on my sheep!” The terrified villagers sprinted up the hills for rescue but discovered no beast.
The boy giggled at the confusion on their faces. This game laughed for a couple of more days. However, one day, a real wolf actually charge at the herd. The shepherd boy ran for help, shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one showed up.
Frustrated and alone, the boy fought against the wolf but managed to rescue only few of his flock. Devastated, he returned to the village only to receive a reprimand on honesty and the results of crying wolf.
His tale of this shepherd boy has been transmitted generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the perils of crying wolf. Moreover, it emphasizes how trust once lost, is tough to regain. It's read more a story as pertinent today as it was in the past.