Long ago, tucked between towering mountains and lush green valleys, there stood a quiet village. In this village lived a shepherd named Hasan, who cared for a vast flock of sheep. Day after day, he led them across hills and plains, guiding them to fresh pastures. By his side were his loyal dogs, ever watchful. With their sharp eyes and keen sense of smell, no wild animal could come near the flock unnoticed.
Deep within the valley, however, lived a hungry wolf. For days, he watched the shepherd and his sheep from afar, searching for a way to get close. Each time he attempted an attack, Hasan or the dogs spotted him and drove him away. The wolf knew he would have to be clever. His hunger grew stronger with each passing day, and desperation pushed him to think harder.
One afternoon, as the flock grazed near the village, the wolf crept closer than ever before. Near the sheepfolds, he carefully searched the ground and suddenly discovered a freshly skinned sheep’s hide left behind. At once, a cunning idea formed in his mind. He draped the hide over his back, disguising himself as a sheep. Had he looked into a mirror, even he might not have recognized himself. He waited patiently for the right moment to join the flock.
As evening fell, the shepherd gathered his sheep and led them toward the fold. Wrapped in the sheep’s skin, the wolf slowly blended into the flock. The sheep did not notice anything unusual; he walked among them as if he had always been there. The shepherd and his dogs were tired and paid little attention. The wolf smiled to himself, certain of his success.
Once inside the fold, the lambs ran to their mothers. The wolf noticed the young ones drawn toward him by the familiar scent of wool. His hunger was unbearable now. Silently, under the cover of darkness, he pulled the lambs close and devoured them one by one. No one noticed a thing that night. As the village slept, the wolf lay satisfied, thinking proudly, “How clever I am!”
But the next morning, Hasan counted his flock and realized that several lambs were missing. He searched the fold and grew suspicious when he noticed strange tracks. Calling his dogs, he let them sniff the sheep’s skin. At once, they began to bark loudly. The truth was revealed. Together, the shepherd and his dogs chased the wolf away from the flock.
From that day on, Hasan and his dogs guarded the sheep more carefully than ever. And in the village, people repeated the lesson learned from this event:
“Do not be deceived by appearances.”
Enjoy another bedtime story: The Star in Santa’s Pocket