What is the true little red riding hood story?
The true Little Red Riding Hood story dates back a long time. It was a story that was meant to instill fear in children to make them cautious. In the real story, the wolf represents the lurking danger. Little Red Riding Hood's naivete in approaching the wolf leads to a rather grim outcome, with the wolf devouring her and her grandma. Later versions have been modified to be less terrifying for kids.
The true Little Red Riding Hood story has its roots in European folklore. It was not as sweet as the modern adaptations we are used to. In the traditional telling, Little Red Riding Hood goes to visit her grandmother in the forest. The wolf, being sly, tricks her and gets to the grandmother's house first. He eats the grandmother and then Little Red Riding Hood when she arrives. This story was used to teach children about the perils of the world, especially the danger of talking to strangers and being too trusting. Over time, the story has been softened and made more child - friendly with different endings where they are rescued.
The original 'true' Little Red Riding Hood story has darker elements. In some versions, the wolf actually eats Little Red and her grandmother. It was a cautionary tale about the dangers in the woods and not talking to strangers. The more sanitized versions we often hear today are much friendlier.