The journey of a small child into the wild is not something we would imagine as a normal request of a parent. But Little Red Riding Hood is sent on such a journey in order to visit her sick grandmother. Why would any parent send a child on this quest?

In this online series, Katrina Messenger will review myths and fairy tales related to the loss of innocence. Children in such tales are forced to undertake journeys that far outstrips their experience levels and exceeds what we would consider an age appropriate expectation.