Little Red Riding Hood: The Complete Original Story

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Have you ever met someone who seemed kind and friendly, only to hide sinister intentions? The story of Little Red Riding Hood: The Original Story is a timeless reminder about the importance of caution and obedience. This little red riding hood fairy tale story unfolds in a magical yet dangerous world, where innocence meets cunning, and danger lurks behind every friendly smile. It's not just a tale about a girl in a red cape—it’s a lesson about trust, choices, and bravery that has captivated audiences for generations.

The Beginning: A Task from Mother

Little Red Riding Hood and Her Famous Red Cape

In a small village on the edge of a dense forest, there lived a cheerful little girl who always wore a bright red cape. This cape was a gift from her beloved grandmother, lovingly sewn just for her. Because of this, everyone called her Little Red Riding Hood.

"My dear, always wear this red cape," her grandmother had once told her. "It symbolizes courage and love."

Yet, courage was about to be tested in ways Little Red Riding Hood could never have imagined.

A Visit to Grandmother

One sunny morning, Little Red Riding Hood's mother called her over. "Red Riding Hood," she said, "your grandmother is feeling unwell. Please take this basket of cake and wine to her. It will cheer her up."

Little Red Riding Hood smiled brightly. "I’ll go right away, Mother!" she said eagerly. Her grandmother lived on the other side of the forest, a place known for its beauty but also its dangers.

A Warning from Mother

Just as Little Red Riding Hood was about to leave, her mother stopped her and gave her an important warning. "Listen carefully, my dear," she said. "Do not stray from the forest path, and whatever you do, do not talk to strangers."

Little Red Riding Hood nodded. "I promise, Mother," she replied confidently, and set off on her journey into the forest.

A Meeting in the Forest: The Cunning Wolf

A Friendly Greeting

As Little Red Riding Hood skipped along the forest path, the sunlight danced through the trees, and she hummed a happy tune. Suddenly, a large wolf appeared from behind the bushes.

“Good morning, little girl!” said the wolf with a wide, toothy grin. “Where are you off to with that lovely basket of treats?”

Little Red Riding Hood hesitated. She remembered her mother’s warning but thought the wolf seemed friendly.

“I’m going to my grandmother’s house,” she said with a polite smile. “She’s feeling sick, and I’m bringing her some cake and wine.”

The Wolf's Devious Plan

The wolf’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “What a kind little girl you are,” he said sweetly. "But wouldn’t your grandmother love some flowers as well? Look at all the beautiful ones growing in the forest. Why not pick a bouquet for her?”

Little Red Riding Hood glanced at the flowers. “That’s a wonderful idea!” she said. She wandered off the path to gather flowers, not realizing the wolf’s cunning plan.

While Little Red Riding Hood was distracted, the wolf dashed off through a shortcut, heading straight for her grandmother’s house.

At Grandmother’s House: A Terrifying Disguise

The Wolf Pretends to Be Grandmother

The wolf reached Grandmother’s house first. He knocked gently on the door.

“Who is it?” called Grandmother weakly from her bed.

“It’s me, Little Red Riding Hood,” said the wolf, mimicking the girl’s voice.

As soon as Grandmother opened the door, the wolf pounced and swallowed her whole. Then, he dressed in her clothes, put on her glasses, and lay in bed, waiting for Little Red Riding Hood to arrive.

Little Red Riding Hood Arrives

When Little Red Riding Hood finally arrived at her grandmother’s house, she immediately noticed something was off. Grandmother looked… different.

“Grandmother, what big eyes you have!” Little Red Riding Hood exclaimed.

“All the better to see you with, my dear,” replied the wolf.

“And Grandmother, what big ears you have!”

“All the better to hear you with, my dear.”

“And Grandmother, what big teeth you have!”

“All the better to EAT YOU WITH!” the wolf roared, leaping out of bed and swallowing Little Red Riding Hood whole.

A Hero Arrives: The Happy Ending

The Woodsman’s Rescue

Just as the wolf was settling down for a nap, a woodsman passing by the house heard loud snoring. Curious, he peered through the window and saw the wolf lying in Grandmother’s bed with an enormous belly.

“That wicked wolf!” the woodsman thought. He burst into the house with his axe in hand.

Saving Grandmother and Little Red Riding Hood

The woodsman quickly slashed open the wolf’s belly, freeing Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother, both unharmed but shaken.

“Thank you so much!” cried Little Red Riding Hood, tears of relief streaming down her cheeks.

The woodsman then filled the wolf’s belly with heavy stones. When the wolf woke up and tried to run, he collapsed under the weight and fell into a nearby well, never to bother anyone again.

Conclusion

The Moral of the Story

The tale of Little Red Riding Hood: The Original Story teaches us the importance of obeying our parents and being cautious of strangers. This little red riding hood fairy tale story also reminds us that bravery and quick thinking can overcome even the gravest danger.

The Origins of Little Red Riding Hood

The original story of Little Red Riding Hood comes from European oral traditions and was first written down by Charles Perrault in the 17th century. His version highlighted the dangers of trusting strangers and had a darker ending. The Brothers Grimm later added a happier conclusion with the woodsman’s rescue in their 19th-century collection. Over time, the story has evolved but remains a classic fairy tale loved by readers around the world.

FAQ

Why does Little Red Riding Hood wear a red cape?

The red cape may symbolize danger or courage, or it could simply be a memorable visual element of the story.

What does the wolf symbolize in the story?

The wolf represents danger, deceit, and the hidden threats found in the world.

Does every version of Little Red Riding Hood have a happy ending?

No. In the original version by Charles Perrault, there is no rescue, and the story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and naivety.