At the center of the mesmerizing rolling hills, resided a young shepherd. His life was essentially pure, simple yet virtuous. His main role was to care for his herd of ewes.
Their low murmuring and the whispering of the breezes among the lone tree on the hilltop were his main companions. Day after day, guarding his charges instilled in him a feeling of calm satisfaction.
But, there were occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would pine for companionship. In one such instance from sheer boredom, the shepherd boy orchestrated a mischievous plot.
Tales of wild beasts preying on sheep had been heard times and again in the village. So, the boy chose to exploit this fear and played a joke on the townsfolk.
One afternoon he ran into the village yelling “Wolf! A wolf is preying on my sheep!” The frightened villagers rushed up the hills for rescue but saw no wolf.
The boy chuckled at the confusion on their faces. This game persisted for a few days more. But, one day, a real wolf actually charge at the flock. The shepherd boy dashed for help, shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one responded.
Frustrated and alone, the boy fought against the wolf but managed to rescue only few of his flock. Devastated, he went back to the town only to receive a lesson on honesty and the results of dishonesty.
The tale of this shepherd boy has been passed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching The shepherd boy story the significance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the risks of crying wolf. Moreover, it stresses how trust once broken, is difficult to earn back. It's a story as relevant today as it was anciently.