

The oral version of “The Wolf and the Kids” actually originated in Europe and the Middle East and later spread to Asia (read Dr Tehrani’s scientific analysis here). Little Red Riding Hood Around the World Timeline:Īlthough it was originally assumed that Little Red Riding Hood’s roots went back to Asia and came to Europe via the Silk Road, this has been determined untrue. Then we used three contemporary versions of Little Red Riding Hood- set around the world in Ghana, China, and Cajun Louisiana- to compare and contrast the folktales, the characters, and other details.

Though the endings vary around the world from silly to quite violent, the story we grew up hearing has been passed on for hundreds of generations. First, we discover the fascinating history of this class tale, that began in the 1st century. When she arrives to her grandma’s house, she finds that her grandma has been eaten by the wolf, who is now dressed up and disguised as her grandma. An innocent little girl goes to visit her grandma, and despite warnings to not speak with strangers, she tells a wolf where she is headed.

It is hard to find someone who has not heard of Little Red Riding Hood, a famous folktale around the world.
