At the center of the mesmerizing rolling fields, resided a young shepherd. His life was unadulterated, and unsophisticated. His only responsibility was to care for his flock of sheep.

Their gentle baas and the murmuring of the breezes among the solo tree on the mountaintop were his only companions. Day upon day, watching over his wards inculcated in him a feeling of quiet fulfillment.

However, there were at times moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would long for companionship. During one such occasion because of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy orchestrated a troublesome plan.

Stories of predators prowling on sheep had been heard times and again in the hamlet. So, the boy chose to exploit this fear and played a trick on the villagers.

One afternoon he dashed into the village shouting “Wolf! A wolf is preying on my sheep!” The frightened villagers rushed up the hills to offer assistance but saw nothing threatening.

The boy laughed at the dilemma on their faces. This game laughed for a few days more. But, one morning, a real wolf did come to prey the herd. The shepherd boy ran for help, shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But check here this time, no one responded.

Frustrated and alone, the boy fought against the wolf but could rescue only few of his flock. Devastated, he went back to the village only to be met with a reprimand on honesty and the repercussions of crying wolf.

The tale of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the significance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the risks of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once violated, is tough to earn back. It's a story as relevant today as it was in the past.