A young girl, known for her red riding hood, is sent by her mother to visit her ill grandmother, bringing custards and butter. On her way through the woods, she encounters a wolf who, eager to eat her, cunningly learns her destination. The wolf races ahead, reaches the grandmother's house first, and devours her. He then disguises himself in the grandmother's bed, waiting for the girl’s arrival. When Little Red Riding-hood knocks and enters, she is initially suspicious but is deceived by the wolf's imitation of her grandmother's voice. As she approaches the bed, she notices the wolf's unusual appearance and asks a series of questions about his features. Each response from the wolf is a deceptive reassurance until he reveals his true intent. Ultimately, the wolf pounces and consumes Little Red Riding-hood as well. The tale serves as a cautionary story about the dangers of naivety and the importance of being wary of strangers.
By Charles Perrault · First published 1697 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fantasy