Little Red Cap [Folk Tale]

On tonight's podcast, we'll be looking at Little Red Cap, the most well known variant of Little Red Riding Hood story, brought to us by the brother's Grimm. 

This version was published in 1857, in the first volume of "Fairy tales collected by the brothers Grimm," and is actually two stories in one. The more familar half, involving baked goods, huntsmen and grandmothers was initially sourced from  Jeanette Hassenpflug. The second half, which proves that the woods are no place to send a child, was sourced from Jeanette's older sister Marie.

The Hassenpflug family, whose name I'm likely butchering, was a rich source of material for the Grimms. It's thanks to them that we have Sleeping Beauty, Clever Hans, Rumpelstiltskin and many others. 

Interestingly, while we are most familar with the Grimm's version of this tale, it's Charles Perrault's title, "Little Red Riding Hood" that survives until today. In his variant, the heroine in the Red Hood dies at the claws of the evil wolf -- which is a bit of a downer. But, the image of a Red Hood is a lot stronger than a red cap, which might explain the mis-match. 

I think the thing I love the most about this story is that the happy ending is predicated entirely on a society where Hunters can walk into old ladies homes because they're snoring too loudly.   

Something to keep in mind as you listen.

I hope you enjoy.

Background music provided by: https://soundcloud.com/michel-escaillas/classik-electro

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