The Lying Shepherd

Retold by Haris


Once upon a time, there was a king who had a lot of cattle such as cows, bulls, goats, ducks, chicken and more. He was very bored with his job and announced that whoever wanted to take care of his cattle would be given a very high payment.

This announcement was spread around the country. At last, there was a man who wanted to be the shepherd. This young man came to the kingdom and was accepted by the king. He woke up early and started taking out the king’s cattle to the pasture. On midday, he was so bored with his job that he started to shout “Help.. Help.. There is a wolf over here”.

All of the inhabitants came but they found nothing’s going on. The shepherd just laughed and said sorry to them. So the inhabitants went back to their activities. After a few moments, he yelled again, “Help... Help. There is a lion….” The inhabitants came again but, again, there was nothing happen. Again, He apologized and they began to not put trust on him again.

Being tired to lied, the shepherd was fallen asleep. During his sleep, he heard of lion’s roar. As he opened his eyes, he was shocked to see a group of lions were eating the king’s cattle. Instantly, he shouted to beg for helps.

No one came to respond it. So he ran to the kingdom. He reported breathlessly to the king that all the cattle were eaten by lions.

The king was so angry and yelled, "Why do you come here and do not asking help from my citizens?

“Your Highness, I already told lies to them which make them not to believe me again. There is no single person come to lend hands” said the shepherd.

“Since you are wrong, I must fire you!”

“I don’t want to get fired, your Highness”

“Ok, then I ask you to take care the horse!”

“I don’t want it, your Highness.. Horse is smelly”

“Therefore you have to choose whether to be fired or to herd my horses”

“Alright your Highness, I will look after for your horses.”