What classic tale did Dr. Jamie Tehrani trace back to find numerous versions and a common ancestor?

Dr. Jamie Tehrani investigated the tale of Little Red Riding Hood and found that it has numerous versions across various cultures, tracing them back to a common ancestral story. This showcases how folklore evolves through oral tradition, adapting to different cultures while retaining core elements. Little Red Riding Hood’s narrative concerning a young girl, a wolf, and the themes of danger and innocence is prevalent in many regions, which indicates its widespread impact and the common threads that can be traced through its variations. The focus on Little Red Riding Hood highlights the complexities of oral storytelling and the ways tales can change over time, melting into different forms while maintaining essential plot points.