The Story of the Shepherd Boy

Deep within the captivating rolling fields, resided a shepherd boy. His being was essentially untarnished, simple yet virtuous. His main role was mainly to tend to his herd of ewes.

Their low murmuring and the rustling of the breezes across the lone tree on the hilltop were his main associates. Day upon day, guarding his wards inculcated in him a sense of quiet fulfillment.

However, there were at times moments of solitude, when the shepherd boy would yearn for fellowship. During one such occasion from sheer boredom, the shepherd boy conceived a mischievous plot.

Tales of predators preying on sheep had been around for a while in the hamlet. So, the boy opted to exploit this fear and played a trick on the inhabitants.

One afternoon he raced into the village screaming “Wolf! There is a wolf attacking my sheep!” The terrified villagers rushed up the hills to offer assistance but discovered no beast.

The boy giggled at the confusion on their faces. This trick continued for a few more days. Yet, one noon, a real wolf did 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 rescue only few of his sheep. Heartbroken, he went back to the town only to receive a reprimand on honesty and the repercussions of crying wolf.

The story of this shepherd boy has been transmitted generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the implications of dishonesty and the risks of false alarms. Moreover, it highlights how trust once broken, is hard to regain. It's a story as pertinent today as it was in the past. check here