The Story of Grandmother

Or rather the OG Little Red Riding Hood. The origins of this tale are surprisingly different than the version I'm sure you're aware of...you know, the one where it's all Red's fault and she must be saved.

Here, you'll find a true heroine.

Here, I hope to change your perception of the LRRH.

Because she deserves better.

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Did you know that the original LRRH was seductive, creative, the heroine and savior of her own fate?

A trickster figure deserving of the halls of Loki, Odysseus and Br’er Rabbit. She did not ask to be twisted into the cautionary feminine literary tale that warns little girls against hungry wolves and predatory men.

The Story of Grandmother is one of the earliest known versions of the tale and features a much different LRRH than we've known. Gone is the little girl wandered astray with tones of weakness, indiscretion, guilt, and not so subtle 'asking for it vibes'. In this classic oral version of the tale, whose origin dates back to 1400, was later recorded by Paul Delarue in 1885, features a very racy tale meant to entertain all ages, and not simply teach little girls a lesson.

I can just picture this tale delighting drunkards in a tavern as she strips off her clothing piece by piece Inanna style as they cheer on her shrewd resourcefulness to escape the clutches of a werewolf.

This story is about a witty heroine who liberates herself using her mind, body, and bodily functions. You may also notice that there are no references to the color red in this story. Her red hood, or cap were later additions weighted with Christian values where red was the color of sexuality, sin, and the devil.

“Surreal violence of the original was converted into a frightening punishment for a relatively mild infraction.” -Maria Tatar

I'd be willing to bet you've never heard that one before. It's vulgar, isn't it? There's cannabilism, the casual acceptance of someone pooping in the bed while they're still in it, and a bit of a strip tease. Three things you wouldn't normally associate with one another, but, hey, it was a very different time.

BUT as you can probably see, that version of the story did not conform to the lessons and morals Charles Perault or the Grimms' used to indoctrinate...I mean, interpret the tale for their later versions. There are plenty of versions of Little Red Riding Hood, and the Story of Grandmother is only my second favorite...stick around to listen to my favorite version of the tale.

Tatar, Maria ed. The Classic Fairy Tales. W.W. Norton, 1999.