The story of “Little Red Riding Hood” is one of the most well-known fairy tales we have today. Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm wrote two of the more popular versions, based on several European fairy tales. The story of the little girl in the red hood and the sly fox is one that centers on the concept of family.

Little Red Riding Hood is sent by her mother to deliver a basket of food to her grandmother. Along the way, a wolf approaches and tricks her which gives him time to rush ahead to take the place of the grandmother. (Depending on the version, he either hid her in the closet or ate her. I’ll let you figure out which one the Brothers Grimm wrote.)

 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

Ephesians 6:2

When Riding Hood finally arrives at her grandmother’s house, she comments on how her grandmother has changed physically, at which point the wolf eats the little girl. Many versions of the tale continue on with a woodcutter coming to their rescue, and Riding Hood is reunited with her grandmother.

The theme of family in “Little Red Riding Hood” aligns with the principles emphasized in Ephesians 6:2 (KJV): “Honour thy father and mother.” This verse underscores the importance of honoring and respecting one’s parents, highlighting the reciprocal obligations that exist within a family. It reminds us of the duty we have to cherish and protect our loved ones, as well as the promise of blessings that come from upholding these values. (And that giving into temptation and straying from the path is never a good thing.)